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OHL Erie Otters

Drobac Stops 35 as Otters Fall 6-3 to CHL #7 Hamilton

February 18, 2022 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Erie, Pennsylvania - With the national-audience of the Canadian Hockey League putting their eyes on the Erie Otters Wednesday night, Erie dominated geographic-rival Niagara to the tune of a 6-2 victory. Friday night welcomed the CHL Top 10 Hamilton Bulldogs into Erie for the first time in the 2021-22 season, as the Otters looked to continue their success against the Eastern Conference foe. In the two games prior this season in Hamilton, Erie dropped a shootout loss 3-2, but later picked up a 7-2 victory. Coming into the contest, Erie had gained at least a point in every game against the East this season. Without the talents of highly-touted Anaheim Ducks' prospect Mason McTavish, Hamilton would look to continue its hot start to 2022.

Everything that was advertised in the matchup would come to fruition in the first period. A gritty, physical battle would see Erie take the first two shots, but Hamilton follow up with the ensuing eight - including the game's first goal from Ryan Winterton (8) on a lazy shot from the left. 3:19 later, it would be Brett Bressette (11) with his first goal since December 8 to tie things up for the Otters. A rough and tough frame would be knotted at 1-1 after 20, with shots in favor of Erie 11-10.

Second period action would not turn in the favor of the Otters, as the Hamilton Bulldogs would score three total goals, including two on the man-advantage. Scoring would start from Avery Hayes (28) with his sixth goal in as many games early into the frame. Jan Mysak (27) would net the second-straight power play goal for the Bulldogs to take a 3-0 lead. Ryan Winterton (9) would collect his second goal of the night and third point in the dying minutes of the frame, as Hamilton would lead 4-1 after 40. Erie would still hold a 27-18 shots advantage, but be unable to get past Matteo Drobac.

In the third period, Erie would continue its shot onslaught, and finally find pay-dirt twice as Brett Bressette (12) would collect his second of the night, and Noah Sedore (8) would cut it down to a two-goal game with less than four minutes remaining, but an empty-netter from Hamilton would seal the fate of Erie as Hamilton picked up its first regulation win over the Otters, 6-3. Erie would finish with the lead in the shots department 38-26.

The Otters are now 4-1-0-1 in games A six-game homestand for the Otters comes to an end Saturday night for the long-anticipated Star Wars Night game against the rival London Knights. Following the game, Erie will head to four-straight on the road starting Monday afternoon in Hamilton for Family Day across the Ontario Hockey League.

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