OHL Erie Otters

Festarini earns first win in 2-1 victory over Rangers

Published on February 26, 2011 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


A terrific performance by Chris Festarini helped the Erie Otters (33-26-1-1) snap a two-game losing streak and Festarini pick up his first OHL win in a 2-1 victory over the Kitchener Rangers Saturday night at Tullio Arena.

The only blemish for Festarini came 6:40 into the contest, as Tyler Randell came on the back door during a Rangers power play and slammed the puck into the open net from the bottom of the left circle to give the Rangers the leads.

Festarini should shut the door on the Rangers through the remainder of the game, making critical saves on Tobias Reider and Jerry D'Amigo in the waning minutes of the first period to keep it a one-goal game. Festarini then received help from his offense in a spurt of 17 seconds.

Phil Varone found Anthony Luciani alone at the top of the left circle with a perfect pass, as Luciani waited and fired a laser into the top glove-side corner of the net for his 27th of the season at 19:04.

The Otters quickly went on the attack after winning the center ice draw and netted the eventual game-winner at 19:21. David Shields blasted a shot from the high slot that deflected off the stick of Greg McKegg and squirmed between the legs of Brandon Maxwell for McKegg's team-leading 41st of the season.

Festarini and the Otters defense took over the rest of the game. Festarini would make 27 saves in all, with his best save coming with 58 seconds remaining, as he robbed Jason Akeson at the side of the net on the stick side to prevent the game from going to overtime.

Join the Otters for Macaroni Madness Wednesday night when the Otters host the Niagara IceDogs at 7:00 p.m. Bring in a box of macaroni and cheese and get into the game for $4.00, plus enjoy the usual Buck Night fare with Smith's hot dogs, Coca-Cola products, beer and popcorn all available at $1.00 each. After the game, the boxes of macaroni and cheese will be donated to the Erie City Mission. Macaroni Madness is presented by Lake Erie Spine & Injury Center, Esser Family Dental, WICU and WSEE. For tickets, call 814-452-4857 or log on to ottershockey.com.

For further information contact the Erie Otters at 814-455-7779 or e-mail the Otters at paul@ottershockey.com.

Check out the Erie Otters Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 26, 2011


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