OHL Erie Otters

Otters attacked by Owen Sound in 6-3 loss

January 29, 2011 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


A four-goal third period by the Owen Sound Attack sunk the Erie Otters (25-22-1-1) to a 6-3 defeat at J.D. McArthur Arena Saturday night.

The Otters and the Attack were each held scoreless in the first period as the goaltenders took center stage with key saves for each team. The Otters outshot the Attack, 11-7, in the first 20 minutes.

In the second period, the Otters were able to break the ice as Phil Varone scored 32 seconds into the frame. David Shields fired a shot from the right point that was deflected by Varone, but Jordan Binnington couldn't come up with the puck and Varone lifted it over Binnington's left pad for his 21st goal of the season.

The Attack fired back with two goals and appeared to have the lead going into the third, but Brett Thompson streaked in for a breakaway and was upended by Matt Petgrave to result in a penalty shot with 36.5 seconds remaining. Thompson converted with a nifty deke that was finished off by sliding the puck around the left pad of Binnington for his 28th goal of the season to tie the game, the Otters' first successful penalty shot since Anthony Luciani scored two penalty shot goals on Sept. 20, 2008.

Garrett Wilson scored 18 seconds into the third to give the Attack a 3-2 lead, but the game was tied two minutes and 35 seconds later by Varone, who scored his second goal of the game by blasting a shot into the top corner of the net after taking a pass from Anthony Luciani in the slot.

The Otters were able to kill off some Attack power plays throughout the period to try and gain momentum, but Liam Heelis scored at even strength with 3:19 remaining to give Owen Sound a lead they would not relinquish. The Attack added two more in the final minute of play to seal the contest.

The Otters finished their road trip with a rematch against the Attack Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Fans can listen to the action on Fox Sports Radio AM 1330 The Fan or online at ottershockey.com (courtesy of the James H. Cross Company).

Join the Otters for a celebration of their 1,000th regular season game with Alumni Night Saturday, February 5 at 7:00 p.m. when the Otters host the Windsor Spitfires. The first 2,500 fans will receive a commemorative team poster featuring Otters alumni T.J Aceti, Chris Berti, Sean Courtney, Mike McKeown, Steve Nimigon and Brad Yeo, who will all be honored in a pre-game ceremony. The Otters will mark the occasion by wearing vintage-style jerseys which can be purchased at the Otters front office. After the game, there will be a meet and greet with current players and alumni, followed by a VIP party at Sluggers Sports Bar and Grill. Alumni Night is sponsored by Sprickman Heating & Cooling, Iron Workers Local Union No. 3, Lake Erie Spine & Injury Center, Sluggers, Erie Times-News, JET-TV and FOX66. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, at the Civic Center Box Office, online at ottershockey.com, or by calling 814-452-4857.

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, 2011


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