OHL Niagara IceDogs

Spitfires Capitalize Over IceDogs

Published on February 6, 2010 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Niagara IceDogs News Release


IceDogs captain Andrew Agozzino notched a pair of goals to lead Niagara in a tough 5-2 loss to the first place Windsor Spitfires in front 3,145 fans at the Gatorade Garden City Complex Saturday night.

The Windsor Spitfires' explosive offense was off to an early start, as Eric Wellwood scored back to back goals within the first twenty seconds of play to give the Spits a 2-0 lead.

IceDogs coach Mike McCourt called a time out after the second goal, and the IceDogs were able to regroup.

Alex Friesen took a trickling puck off the boards and sped up the ice on a 2-on-1 with Andrew Agozzino. The first shot deflected off the Spitfires net minder and Agozzino picked up the rebound and wrapped it around to give the game a 2-1 score.

The IceDogs managed to kill of a few penalties throughout the first period to keep the game at a close 2-1 score after one period of play.

Both Andrew Shaw and Mitchell Theoret engaged spirited tilts towards the end of the first to set the physical tone for the remainder of the game.

Shots after the first period were 19-6 in Windsor's favour. The last time the two teams met in Windsor on January 24, the IceDogs held the Spitfires to only 26 shots on goal - a season low for the Spits.

In the second, Andrew Shaw made an effort to stir things up as he laid a couple big hits on Windsor's All-Star defenseman Ryan Ellis, which led to his second fight of the game against Mark Cundari at the 7:13 mark.

Both Shaw and Petgrave received roughing penalties after the fight, allowing Niagara Falls native Justin Shugg to capitalize on the 5-on-3 power play to give the Spits a 3-1 lead.

Windsor converted again at the 15:18 mark as Adam Wallace put one past Visentin to provide his team with a 4-1 lead going into the second intermission.

The IceDogs penalty plague continued in the third, as Shayne Rover and Andrew Shaw both took interference penalties, giving Windsor another 5-on-3 advantage.

This time, the Spitfires Team Canada World Junior members would collaborate to give Windsor a 5-1 lead. Ryan Ellis netted his 8th of the season with Taylor Hall and Adam Henrique picking up the assists.

Shortly after the goal, IceDogs assistant captain Alex Friesen threw a bone-crushing hit on Taylor Hall that prompted the sold-out crowd to make some noise.

Following Friesen's massive hit, IceDogs scoring leader Andrew Agozzino notched his second goal of the game (28th of the season), cutting the Spits lead to 5-2.

The score would remain at 5-2 in favour of the Windsor Spitfires in what proved to be an fast-paced physical game in front of a sold-out crowd.

Mark Visentin had an unforgettable performance as he stopped 41 shots from this highly offensive Windsor team.

The IceDogs next home game takes place Thursday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. as they host the Oshawa Generals. Tickets for this and all remaining IceDogs home games are available for purchase at any IceDogs ticketing location.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 6, 2010


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