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OHL Erie Otters

Depth-Scorers Step up as Otters Win Fourth-Straight

December 15, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Erie Otters' Matthew Schaefer on game night
Erie Otters' Matthew Schaefer on game night
(Erie Otters)

Erie, Pennsylvania - Riding the wave of recent success would lead the upstart Erie Otters into their final Friday home game of the season. After three-straight victories - including last week's back-to-back 4-1 wins over Niagara and Guelph - Erie would look to remain consistent despite the absences of a pair of leading-scorers in Carey Terrance and Martin Misiak. With the North Bay Battalion - the former organization of coaches Stan Butler and Ken Peroff - in town for the only time this season, a winning effort would mean just a bit more on Friday night.

Without leading-scorers, Erie's offense would suffer no setbacks. Just 4:27 into the contest, Sam Alfano (9) would open scoring for the team to take a 1-0 lead. North Bay would strike back later in the period as Paul Christopoulos (2) would put the Battalion on the board. Not even a minute later, Alex Messier (2) would receive a perfect feed from Bruce McDonald to put Erie back on top. With a power play opportunity for the Battalion, Justin Ertel (12, PPG) would knot things up at two after 20 minutes. A 14-9 shot advantage would be Erie's, as well as a 2-0 lead.

The only goal of the second period would prove to be a huge one - not just for Erie, but for Georgy Toroptsev (1) as he would record his first Ontario Hockey League point. Matthew Schaefer would feed Toroptsev for the first-career goal, just 2:55 into the middle frame. A 13-11 shot advantage would go to North Bay, but the Battalion would lose netminder Charlie Robertson with a collision late in the period. Erie would lead 3-2 after 40 minutes.

In the final frame, it would be the Battalion who would strike first, as Anthony Romani (24) would net the game-tying goal with 8:14 gone by. This would be the closest North Bay would come in period three, as the Battalion would fire just four shots in the final 20. Erie would shoot 14 on net, including the eventual game-winner from Ondrej Molnar (10, PPG) on the team's third power play with 12:42 gone by. Erie would hold off the Battalion attack in the final seven minutes to find their fourth-straight victory in a 4-3 final.

The final game before the holiday break for the Erie Otters and OHL is Saturday evening at the Erie Insurance Arena. The Ottawa 67's will come to town for the only time this season for the Otters' Winter Wonderland Game. Around the concourse will be plenty of holiday magic, powered by appearances from Santa Claus and The Grinch, a festive balloon and light display from Rubber Ducky Balloon Designs, and plenty more holiday surprises. Fans are encouraged to bring their new or gently worn coats or winter gear for the team's Winter Gear Drive with the Goodwill of Erie PA. All fans who bring at least one (1) accepted donation will receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win a team-signed silver replica jersey.

Check out the Erie Otters Statistics




Images from this story

Erie Otters' Matthew Schaefer on game night
Erie Otters' Matthew Schaefer on game night
   



Ontario Hockey League Stories from December 15, 2023


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