OHL Niagara IceDogs

IceDogs Solidify Home-Ice Advantage in Playoffs with 6-3 Win over Otters

Published on March 16, 2018 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Niagara IceDogs News Release


The Niagara IceDogs were back in action Friday night as they made a quick trip across the border to Erie to take on the Otters just a night after defeating the Bulldogs 3-2 in overtime. These two teams last faced each other mid-January, in Erie, when the 'Dogs came from behind to win 5-3. Coming into tonight's game, the IceDogs will be looking to extend their 5-game win streak, and clinch at least fourth place in the Eastern Conference, to guarantee home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Otters come into this game with 2 wins in their last five games.

The IceDogs looked to pick up right where they left off last night, by scoring the games opening goal less than 3 minutes into the game. Kyle Langdon made a great pass across the crease to Oliver Castleman, who tapped it in. This was Castleman's 11th goal of the season and 2nd consecutive game with a goal. Johnathon Schaefer was credited with the secondary assist. The Otters stormed back with two unanswered goals to carry a 2-1 lead into the 2nd period.

Within the first five minutes of the period, we saw three goals scored. The Otters extended their lead to 2, but less than a minute later, Danial Singer potted his 26th of the season after Matthew Philip and Akil Thomas went to work in the corner. Philip found Singer alone in front of the net, as he cut the Otters' lead to 1. On a rush off the faceoff following Singer's goal, Ben Jones laser beamed a shot past the Otters' goaltender high glove side to score the equalizer. Jonesy's 27th goal was assisted by Kirill Maksimov and Billy Constantinou. Ben Jones tipped in a shot from Jonathon Schaefer on a blueline, and capitalized, scoring his 2nd goal of the period to give the 'Dogs the lead heading into the 3rd period! Schaefs and Maksimov picked up the assists on Jonesy's goal.

The 'Dogs continued to hold much of the pressure in the third period. After a near Otters' goal on the powerplay, Johnny Corneil and Kirill Maksimov pressed hard in the offensive zone. Maksi battled for the puck behind the net and found Johnny in tight in front of the Otters' net, and he scored his 19th goal to extend our lead to 2! Maksimov and Johnathon Schaefer collected the assists on the captain's tally. Johnny added an empty net goal to extend our lead to 3 over the Otters! Jonesy and Maksi picked up the assists on his 20th goal.

The 6-3 score held, as the IceDogs extended their win streak to 6!

The 'Dogs are home tomorrow afternoon to take on the Steelheads at 3:30pm.

We only have standing room tickets are still available for our final home game, Saturday, March 17th, at 3:30pm, against the Mississauga Steelheads. The 'Dogs will be rocking green St. Patrick's Day jerseys, which will be auctioned off post-game, with all proceeds being donated in support of Crohn's & Colitis Canada. Saturday's game will be broadcast live on Sportnet's CHL Saturday Showdown! Saturday's game is also our Fan Appreciation game, and we will be honouring our 3 graduating overage players prior to the game. This isn't going to be one you'll want to miss!

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 16, 2018


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