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OHL Erie Otters

Alfano Scores Two as Otters Fall 6-4

October 21, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Erie, Pennsylvania - An emotional victory in London on Friday night would roll the Erie Otters into a home Saturday night against the Sarnia Sting. In the first meeting of the season between the two teams, goaltender Ben Gaudreau would face his former team for the first time in his OHL career. The highly emotional meeting would kickstart the first of back-to-back home games for Erie.

Erie would take an early 5-3 shots advantage in the first period, as a sudden offensive kick would jumpstart Erie in the frame. Unfortunately for the Otters, Nick Surzycia would be stout in net all night, and start his efforts early. The first goals of the evening would belong to the Sting, and come less than a minute apart. Roman Kukumberg (4) would be responsible for the first 10:59 into the period, and Zach Filak (4) would tip one through to get the game's second. Erie would answer just a few minutes later from Pano Fimis (3), but give one right back to Andrew LeBlanc (2) before the period would close. Sarnia would outshoot Erie 16-9 in the first, and lead 3-1.

The second period would start more favorable for Erie thanks to Sam Alfano (5) putting Erie within a one-goal game just over five minutes into the frame, but three unanswered goals would await the Sarnia Sting to close out the middle frame. Eventual First Star Andrew LeBlanc (3,4) would net back-to-back goals enroute to his first hat trick of the season, and Sarnia would be all over Erie after 40. Sarnia would hold a 26-17 shot advantage, and lead over Erie 6-2.

While the game would feel out of reach in the third period, Erie would together its best period of the day to put a silver lining on the evening. The Otters would dominate the shots department 16-5, and be rewarded for their consistent efforts as the game would draw into its final moments. Sam Alfano (6) would earn his second of the night with 16:42 passed, and Ondrej Molnar (2) would have luck on his side with an own-goal from Sarnia to finish the game with just a two-goal deficit for Erie. Despite the final result, Erie would battle hard and earn hard-fought momentum for Sunday afternoon.

The Erie Otters first three-in-three weekend of the season concludes on home ice tomorrow. On Sunday afternoon, Erie will host the Niagara IceDogs for the second meeting of the season for Sunday Family Funday. The first 500 kids through the door will receive a free popcorn and soft drink. All fans are invited to Perry's Tavern at the Flagship City Food Hall following the game for an exclusive meet, greet, and eat event.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from October 21, 2023


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