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OHL Erie Otters

Otters' Early Goals Not Enough in 4-2 Loss

December 16, 2023 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Erie Otters' Sam Alfano on game night
Erie Otters' Sam Alfano on game night
(Erie Otters)

Erie, Pennsylvania - The final game of before the holiday break would see an upstart Erie Otters team host the top-team in the Ontario Hockey League's Eastern Conference, the Ottawa 67's. Facing the team from Canada's capital for the only time on home ice, Erie would wager its four-game winning streak against the Barber Poles of Ottawa, looking to find another win to officially claim its longest win streak of the year. With the 67's coming in with a loss in their latest contest, they would look for their terrific defense and goaltending to lead the way against a recently high-scoring Erie group.

A low-shooting opening frame would take place in the first eight minutes. For the fourth-straight game, Erie would net the game's opening goal, as Brett Bressette (7) would continue his recent streak of offensive success, 7:46 into the game. Ottawa would respond shortly later, as Luca Pinelli (23) would knot things up before the halfway point of the period. With just over four minutes remaining in the period, Sam Alfano (10) would net his second goal in as many games to put the Otters up 2-1. 49 seconds later, Brad Gardiner (8) would knot things up again in the call-and-response first period. After 20 minutes of play, Erie would lead in shots 10-9, but be knotted up 2-2.

The low-scoring affair of early in the game would make its return in the second period, as the 67's defense would slowly start to take control. The lone goal of the period would come from Kaleb Lawrence (8) at the 13:20 mark of the period. A 3-2 lead would persist for the 67's through 40, leading in shots 11-7 in the period.

Defense and goaltending would continue to hold strong in the third period for Ottawa despite Erie creating more offensive end opportunities. Once again, it would be just one goal in the period belonging to the 67's - with Brady Stonehouse (12) with just under six minutes left to go. Shots would be even at 8-8 in the frame, but Ottawa would leave with a 4-2 road victory in Erie. The Otters win-streak would stop at four games.

Thus draws to an end the proverbial "halfway" mark of the season, as the holiday break begins for the Erie Otters. Erie will enjoy the next 12 days off, returning to game action on Thursday, December 28 against the Guelph Storm in Guelph. The final two games of the season will take place in the friendly confines of the Erie Insurance Arena, as the Otters will celebrate the legacy of the last pro hockey team in the city on Erie Panthers Night (pres. by United Way of Erie County). The Otters will take the ice in specialty game jerseys celebrating the former ECHL team, with the first 2000 fans getting a free Erie Panthers Pennant (pres. by United Way of Erie County). On Sunday, December 31 it'll be a New Year's Rockin' Eve (pres. by Printing Concepts) to close out 2023. The first 1500 fans in attendance will receive a free 2024 Erie Otters Calendar (pres. by Printing Concepts), and after the game fans will be invited to skate with Erie Otters players for 45 minutes. The Otters would like to wish the fans and Erie community a very happy holiday season.

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Images from this story

Erie Otters' Sam Alfano on game night
Erie Otters' Sam Alfano on game night
   



Ontario Hockey League Stories from December 16, 2023


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