OHL Erie Otters

Frontenacs Defeat Otters, 5-3

Published on January 8, 2011 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


A slow start by the Erie Otters (20-19-1-1) was nearly overcome by a strong rally in the final two periods but it was not enough as the Kingston Frontenacs grabbed a 5-3 win over the Otters at Tullio Arena Saturday night.

The Frontenacs scored three goals in the opening frame to pick up a 3-0 lead going into the first intermission. It also spelled the end for Ramis Sadikov, who was pulled after the period in favor of Chris Festarini.

Festarini gave up a power play goal to former Otter Sean Jones at 4:46 in what wound up being his only blemish in relief, as Festarini turned aside 10 Kingston shots to keep the Otters in the game.

The Otters started their rally at 13:30 of the second when Brett Cook intercepted a clear from another former Otter, Mitch Gaulton. Cook blasted a shot from the high slot through the glove side of Philipp Grubauer for his fourth of the season to put the Otters on the scoreboard.

Phil Varone then scored on a beautiful move at 16:07. Varone took a pass from Luke Cairns and streaked across the right circle towards the net, lifting a shot just past the right pad of an outstretched Grubauer for his 16th goal of the season.

In the third period, the Otters had total domination as they outshot Kingston, 14-2. The only goal of the period came off the stick of Cook, who fired a one-timer from his knees at the right circle with just over six minutes remaining. Grubauer was sensational all night for the Frontenacs, as he made 34 saves to prevent Erie from taking at least a point. Nathan Moon added an empty netter with 30 seconds remaining to seal Erie's fate.

Cook picked up the first two-goal game of this career, while Festarini was the hard luck loser in relief despite giving up one goal. The Otters power play went 0-for-5 while Kingston's was 2-for-4, which proved to be the difference in the contest.

The Otters hit the road Thursday night to battle against the Niagara IceDogs at 7:00 p.m. Fans can tune into the Toyota Pregame Show starting at 6:45 p.m. on Fox Sports Radio AM 1330 The Fan or online at ottershockey.com(presented by the James H. Cross Company).

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 8, 2011


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