OHL Ottawa 67's

First Period Goals Propel IceDogs Past 67's

Published on February 26, 2017 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Ottawa 67's News Release


OTTAWA - Austen Keating had two goals and Sasha Chmelevski added three points, but the impressive offensive output wasn't quite enough for the Ottawa 67's. They allowed three first period goals and dropped a close contest, 5-4 to the Niagara IceDogs.

The loss comes despite the 67's controlling the majority of the play in the game, where they peppered Niagara goaltender Stephen Dhillon with 42 shots. 37 of those came in the second and third frames.

It was the first period that spelled the end for the 67's, according to head coach and general manager Jeff Brown.

"We weren't ready to play at the start of the game," he said. "From that point on, every opportunity they had, they scored. We just have to compete more."

Niagara wasted no time and got the game's first goal three minutes in. Justin MacPherson finished a passing play, deflecting a Danial Singer centering pass into the net.

The IceDogs added to their scoring total at the 5:17 mark. After a double minor high sticking penalty on Ottawa, Ryan Mantha let a howitzer go from the left point and beat a screened Olivier Lafreniere. They then made it 3-0 before the end of the opening frame.

It was Ottawa's turn to start on the man advantage in the second, and they took advantage of an extended five-on-three power play. Chmelevski continued his torrid pace with a power play goal, then Keating followed it up with a goal off a no-look pass from Artur Tyanulin.

Keating then appeared to tie the game at three, but the goal was disallowed due to a quick whistle.

Niagara then added to their lead, with Aaron Haydon giving them a 4-2 lead off a faceoff win and a laser beam from the point.

Yesterday, coach Brown stressed the importance of keeping things simple on the power play. Mathieu Foget did just that at 3:47 of the third, wheeling to the top of the left circle and wiring a wrist shot off the post and into the net. That cut the Niagara lead to 4-3.

The IceDogs added a fifth goal from Danial Singer four minutes later that would stand as the game-winner. Ottawa's final goal of the game came off the stick of Keating, giving him his second of the afternoon at 9:46.

After the three-in-three set, the 67's get a week off before travelling to Kingston to play the Frontenacs on Friday. They then return to The Arena at TD Place for the penultimate homestand of the 2016-17 season, hosting Kingston in the second half of their home-and-home, and the Barrie Colts.

Tickets for all Ottawa 67's home games are available at Ottawa67s.com, calling 613.232.6767 X1, or in person at The Box Office at TD Place. All minor hockey players part of the 67's Prospect Program presented by Enercare get in for FREE. For more information on the 67's Prospect Program click here.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 26, 2017


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