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OHL Erie Otters

Holden scores shootout winner as Otters win, 2-1

January 29, 2010 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


It took the Erie Otters (22-21-5-2) 65 minutes and a six-round shootout, but the club snapped its five game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over the Niagara IceDogs in the first of two games at the Tullio Arena this weekend.

Defenseman Derek Holden's shot in the sixth round of a very exciting shootout trickled in the net after Niagara goalie Mark Visentin made in the initial save, but the puck had eyes and found the back of the net to send the Otters into Saturday night's contest with the Kingston Frontenacs with some much-needed momentum.

In the first, Erie's Greg McKegg scored his 24th goal of the season on a one-timer from Zack Torquato 7:27 into the first period for the lone goal of the frame.

Torquato found McKegg inside the hash marks and the second-year forward beat Visentin over the glove. The assist gave Torquato a career high 45 assists.

Erie outshot Niagara outshot 12-8 in the period.

The lone goal in the second period came on a bit of luck for the IceDogs as Reggie Traccitto dumped the puck in on Erie goalie Adam Courchaine from the red line. Courchaine left the crease to play the puck up ice, but the over-ager whiffed on the clearing attempt and the puck slid into the back of the net to tie the game at one at 4:55.

The Otters had their chances as Mike Cazzola and Matthew Paton each rang a shot off the post in a 30 second span late in the period.

The IceDogs fired 17 shots in the direction of Courchaine, who, despite the blunder, kept the Otters in the game with key saves early, including a good backhand opportunity by Andrew Agozzino just 20 seconds into the period.

The teams skated to a scoreless third period and overtime period, setting the stage for the Otters' fifth shootout of the season.

In the shootout, Visentin stopped the first five Otters, but couldn't stop the sixth in Holden and Courchaine made a glove save on Andrew Fritsch to seal the win for Erie.

Visentin was named the games third star, while David Shields and McKegg were the games second and first stars, respectively.

The Otters will be back in action tomorrow night at the Tullio Arena for a clash with the Doug Gilmour's Kingston Frontenacs, slated for a 7:00 p.m. start. The first 1,000 fans receive a cowbell courtesy of Erie General Electric Credit Union. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, the Erie Civic Center box office, ottershockey.com or by calling 452-4857.

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

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 29, 2010


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