ECHL Brampton Beast

Mallards Victorious in Donati Brother's Reunion

December 27, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Brampton Beast News Release


Moline, IL - The Beast received some much-needed reinforcements on Saturday night, but couldn't get the bounces to go their way as they fell 4-3 in a nail-biter to the Quad City Mallards. The Donati brothers were reunited and looked to be in fine form, while Montreal Canadiens prospect Dalton Thrower made his professional hockey debut on the Beast blueline.

It was the ninth of 15 meetings between the two teams this season, with the Beast carrying a 4-4-0 record coming into the match. Logan Nelson got things started off for the Mallards just 2:12 into the game, beating netminder Trevor Cann for his sixth goal of the season. Newly acquired centre Justin Donati made his impact felt immediately afterwards, assisting on brother Tyler Donati's first period goal ten minutes later to even the score at 1-1.

Nelson would again give the Mallards the lead a few minutes later, on a shot that goaltender Cann would like to have back. Nelson made a fancy toe drag just inside the blue line and fired a shot on net, and while Cann got the majority of the puck, it had just enough momentum to slide past the goal line for Nelson's second of the night.

Pearce Eviston would give the Mallards a two-goal lead at 10:31 of the second period with a perfect tip past Cann putting pressure on the Beast to stay in the game. Justin Donati pounced on a giveaway in the slot shortly afterwards, but Milner turned the shot aside and the rebound, which went directly to Tyler Donati, was fired off the goalpost.

Rookie sensation Mathew Maione would pull the Beast within one with a great backhand in front of the Quad City net near the end of the second period to cut the deficit to 3-2. It certainly seemed like Brampton had the momentum from that point on, as they came out flying in the third, recording the first seven shots on goal, but it was the Mallards who would strike first, on their opening shot of the period, to restore the two goal lead.

Despite Captain Cal Wild again cutting the Mallards lead to just one, on a perfect slap-shot for the centre's third goal of the season, it would be as close as the Beast would come. With the loss, the team drops to 8-15-1 on the season, but will have a chance to avenge tonight's result when they rematch with the Mallards tomorrow afternoon at 5:05 PM. After tomorrow's game, the Beast return home for Ugly Christmas Sweater Day on December 30, the first of a two-game set against the Toledo Walleye. For tickets, call 905 564 1684 or visit www.bramptonbeast.com.

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