OHL Erie Otters

Hard-Fought Loss Sees Otters Shutout by #1 Bulldogs, 3-0

Published on April 1, 2022 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Erie, Pennsylvania - After a 1-1 split at home last weekend, the Erie Otters continued their six-game homestand on Friday night as they hosted the #1 team in the Ontario Hockey League (and #2 in the CHL), the Hamilton Bulldogs. With a 1-1-0-1 decision against Hamilton this season, Erie would come into their first home game against Hamilton would bring them success with homecooking.

In the first meeting of the season between Mason McTavish (17) and the Otters, it would the #3 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft that would open scoring just :53 into the game. From that point, down in shots 4-0, Erie would work tirelessly in a 200-foot game with multiple opportunities on the offensive end - either robbed by Matteo Drobac or the pipe - and make impressive defensive plays. Despite the early goal, Erie would battle hard, and come inches away from a tie game after 20. Trailing 14-8 in shots, it would be just a 1-0 lead for Hamilton after one.

The contentious battle of will would continue in the second period, as neither team would be willing to give an inch - finding just 10 shots between the two foes through the second 20 minutes. It would once again be the Bulldogs who would find the back of the net, as Patrick Thomas (5) would collect his second point of the night on a goal that would just get past Campbell. With physicality and choppiness behind the play amounting, the Otters would finish the frame with 1:55 of carryover power play time heading into the third. After 40, shots would be in favor of Hamilton 20-12, in a 2-0 lead.

A valiant fight for the Otters in the third would see the team outshoot the Bulldogs 11-5 down the stretch, and find their opportunities in front, but it would be Matteo Drobac who would be the hero for Hamilton, recording a 23-save shutout to earn first star honors. The third and final goal of the night would come from an empty-netter by Avery Hayes (37) in the final :32. The Otters would finish 2/2 on the penalty kill, but 0/5 on the man-advantage in a 3-0 loss. This would give Hamilton their 29th win in the last 33 games.

A three-in-three weekend continues for Erie, as they host division foe Kitchener on Saturday and Sunday. With Kitchener directly above Erie in the standings, and both teams still looking to secure their playoff spot, it'll be a major battle of wills. Saturday night is the celebration of the Silver Anniversary of Erie Otters hockey for 25th Anniversary Night - featuring alumni, special messages, a Team Legends Card Set giveaway, and more. For more information, head to OttersHockey.com.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from April 1, 2022


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