IceDogs' Comeback Falls Short in OT
January 13, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Niagara IceDogs News Release
MISSISSAUGA, ON - The IceDogs started the weekend off at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre tonight to take on the Mississauga Steelheads for a Central Divison matchup.
Niagara came into the contest 10 points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Mississauga entered the game 5th place in the Eastern Conference and 3rd in the central division.
Zakary Lavoie made his return to Mississauga tonight for his 100th career OHL game to take on the team that originally drafted him 7th overall in 2020. AP call-up defenseman Gabriel Runco would also be in the lineup due to Niagara being without Landon Cato, Gerard Keane, and Andrew Wycisk on the backend.
1st Period
The game's opening goal came from James Hardie of the Steelheads at 12:56 into the first frame. A big loss for the IceDogs came at 16:32 after Kevin He was ejected as he delivered a hit from behind on Steelheads forward, Charlie Callaghan. The boarding call left the IceDogs on a 3-minute PK to finish the period.
At the end of the first 20 minutes, Owen Flores kept the game close as he turned away 14/15 shots while Niagara put 6 shots on goal the other way.
2nd Period
Ten minutes into the period, the IceDogs would draw an early powerplay opportunity with a chance to get on the board. Despite holding possession for the majority of the man advantage, they would be held scoreless by the Steelheads PK. The period remained un-eventful for the most part until the Steelheads extended their lead by 2 with 20 seconds to play in the middle frame.
Owen Flores continued to stand tall for the entirety of the period and would stop all but one for a two-period total of 31 shots faced. After 40 minutes of play, Niagara had registered 13 shots on Beglieri.
3rd Period
Just under 8 minutes into the third period, Andrew LeBlanc carried the puck into the slot for a quick release and put the IceDogs on the board and bring them within 1. The right wing's 5th of the season would come unassisted. An opportunity for the IceDogs to tie the game came at 4:12 remaining in the third as Andrew LeBlanc drew a tripping call. With 4 seconds remaining on the powerplay, a one-timer from Juan Copeland would provide a go-ahead rebound for Declan Waddick to tie the game up at 17:39 and force overtime.
Overtime Period
At just 1:01 into the 3-on-3 overtime period, Steelheads defenceman, Charlie Callaghan walked in and ended the game as the IceDogs third period comeback just falls short in extra time.
The IceDogs will travel to the Peterborough Memorial Centre tomorrow to take on the Petes who sit 4th place in the Eastern Conference.
Goal Scorers
First Period
J. Hardie (25) (MISS) A: L. Misa, Z. Veccia - 12:56
Second Period
A. MacDonell (14) (MISS) A: C. Callaghan, J. DeZoete - 19:40
Third Period
A. LeBlanc (5) (NIA) Unassisted - 7:37
D. Waddick (11) (NIA) A: J. Copeland, J. LeBlanc - 17:39
Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 13, 2023
- Lardis & Thomas Lead Bulldogs to 4-3 Win Over 67s - Brantford Bulldogs
- Four-Goal Second Period by Generals Spoils Rangers' Friday - Kitchener Rangers
- Firebirds' Early Lead Not Enough, Wolves Rally for 6-4 Win - Flint Firebirds
- IceDogs' Comeback Falls Short in OT - Niagara IceDogs
- Wolves to Retire Staal '14' on February 3rd - Sudbury Wolves
- GameDay Preview: Rangers Host Oshawa on TSN Friday at the Aud - Kitchener Rangers
- 55 OHL Players Included in NHL Central Scouting's Midseason Rankings - OHL
- Firebirds Invade Sudbury to Battle Wolves Tonight - Flint Firebirds
- Four Otters Recognized on NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings - Erie Otters
- Five Spirit Players Named to NHL Central Scouting's Midterm North American Rankings - Saginaw Spirit
- Franchise Record Five Firebirds Apart of NHL Central Scouting's Midterm Draft Rankings - Flint Firebirds
- Five 67's Players Ranked by NHL Central Scouting - Ottawa 67's
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.
