NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Erie Otters

Otters Defeat Firebirds

October 9, 2016 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Playing their third game in as many days and coming off a resounding 6-0 win over Oshawa, the Erie Otters continued to win at home by defeating the Flint Firebirds 5-3.

The Firebirds were the first to strike when Ryan Moore sent a sharp-angle shot on Erie goaltender Troy Timpano, which bounced off his stick and into the net. Minutes later, Erie's Alex DeBrincat--occupying his normal offensive position in the slot--scored on a pass from Taylor Raddysh to tie it up for the Otters. Brett Neumann pounced on a loose puck in front of Firebirds goalie Connor Hicks 16 seconds later to give Erie the lead, and Gera Poddubnyi snapped a quick one home at 13:49 to put the Otters up 3-1, chasing Connor Hicks from the Flint net. Goaltender Garrett Forrest came in relief for the Firebirds, and Flint's Kole Sherwood shot a puck from the top of the circle through traffic and into the back of Erie's net to make it 3-2. Forrest made a sprawling glove save on Vanya Lodnia late in the period to keep the Otters lead at one.

After nine minutes of scoreless hockey in the second period, Erie's Allan McShane executed a perfect pass on the rush to DeBrincat--streaking in on the wing--who put a well-placed shot past the diving Firebirds netminder. Flint answered back in the final minute of the period, however, on a scramble in front of Erie goaltender Troy Timpano. The goal--not clearly evident without slow-motion replay--was reviewed for several minutes before the officials credited Luke Kirwan with the goal for the Firebirds. Erie headed into the third period up 4-3.

The final third of the game saw both teams increase their physicality to control a back-and-forth contest that registered seven goals in the first two periods. Despite a rocky start, Troy Timpano gave a strong performance in the third--including a breakaway save during a Firebirds penalty kill--to keep Erie's lead intact. Taylor Raddysh scored on Flint's empty net at 18:51 of the third, and Erie won the game 5-3.

Erie has won all three of its games at home this season; their three losses come on the road. Alex DeBrincat had two goals and an assist, bringing him to 8 points in 3 games with Erie this season. Taylor Raddysh had a goal and two assists for the third time in four games, and Kyle Pettit registered two assists. Gera Poddubnyi scored his first career OHL goal in the first period. Troy Timpano, coming off a shutout debut against Oshawa, made 24 saves on 27 shots for the win. After allowing 3 goals on 5 shots, goaltender Connor Hicks was pulled in favor of Garrett Forrest, who made 22 saves on 23 shots and was credited with Flint's loss.

Erie will meet the Sarnia Sting at Erie Insurance Arena on October 12. The Otters, 3-3 this season, look to win a third straight game.

Check out the Erie Otters Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Ontario Hockey League message board...

Ontario Hockey League Stories from October 9, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central