OHL Erie Otters

Szydlowski Nets Game Winner As Otters Defeat Sting, 4-3

Published on January 16, 2010 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


The Erie Otters (21-16-5-2), behind another strong outing by goalie Adam Courchaine and two goals by Mike Cazzola won their second straight game by a 4-3 decision over the Sarnia Sting in front of 4,511 at Tullio Arena Saturday night.

Sarnia drew first blood in the contest as Ben O'Quinn netted the lone goal of a very defensive period. O'Quinn put a rebound home after a goal-mouth scramble in front of Courchaine at 18:10. Tyler Peters and Nathan Chiarlitti picked up the assists on the power-play marker.

The Sting outshot the Otters 13-6 in the first 20 minutes, while the Otters top line was missing a key ingredient - Greg McKegg was scratched just minutes before the start of the game because of an illness.

The second period saw both teams throw the defense to the side, as the squads combined for five goals and 22 shots.

The Otters struck first in the frame as Stephen Genua, who was added to the lineup because of the McKegg scratch, tapped home a Zack Torquato pass on a three-on-one break to start a stretch that saw Erie score three goals in a 43 second span to electrify the crowd on Country Western Night.

Sting defenseman Kyle Flemington fell down, which opened up space for Torquato who made a couple of dekes on the defender before sliding the puck across the crease for Genua's fourth goal of the season at 4:02.

Mitch Gaulton picked up the secondary helper on the play. It was Genua's third goal against the Sting this season.

Seven seconds later, Cazzola beat Sarnia netminder Shayne Campbell to put Erie ahead 2-1 after a costly turnover in the Sting zone. The tally was Cazzola's 22nd of the season.

Cazzola wasn't done there as he took a pass from Torquato at the high slot and beat Campbell high on the stick side at 4:45 to extend the Erie lead by two. Torquato took a pass from Gaulton before finding Cazzola uncovered just inside the circles.

But the lead wouldn't last as Sarnia would score the final two goals of a hectic second period.

Kale Kerbashian picked up his team-leading 15th goal of the season on the power-play at 14:14. O'Quinn and Chiarlitti picked up the assists.

With just 18 seconds remaining in the period, Brett Ritchie would score the equalizer as the Otters defense was caught standing still on a loose puck in front of Courchaine, which sent the teams to a 3-3 deadlock going into the third. Brandon Francisco would earn the lone assist on the score.

In the third, the Otters would take the lead for good 6:14 into the period as Shawn Szydlowski battled through two defenders to put home a rebound in front of Campbell after a hard Anthony Luciani shot from the right circle.

The shot hit the right pad of Campbell and stayed in front of the net before Szydlowski put away his 10th goal of the season and his third in as many games.

Up next for the Otters is the Kitchener Rangers, who will make the trip to Erie Monday for a 6 p.m. start. The Otters will wear special powder blue jerseys for Autism Awareness night. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, the Tullio Arena box office, ottershockey.com or by calling 452-4857. Fans can listen to game action on Fox Sports Radio AM 1330 The Fan and ottershockey.com, starting at 6:45 p.m. with the pre-game show.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 16, 2010


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