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OHL Erie Otters

Thompson scores twice as Otters defeat Greyhounds, 5-3

February 4, 2011 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Brett Thompson scored twice against his former team to lead the Erie Otters (26-23-1-1) to a 5-3 victory over the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Friday night at Tullio Arena.

Thompson scored the game-winner early in the second period and added an empty netter with 20 seconds remaining to seal the win for the Otters after a valiant comeback by the Greyhounds.

Phil Varone extended his point-scoring streak to nine games as he found Anthony Luciani with a perfect pass at the side of the crease, and Luciani slammed it through the stick side of Matt Murray for his 18th goal of the season 2:06 into the contest.

The Otters had a strong start to the second period as David Shields sneaked a shot from the right circle through the glove of Murray for his fifth of the season at 1:01.

Shawn Szydlowski then scored the first power play goal for the Otters in six games with his patented right shot from the left circle at 4:53, his 28th goal of the season. The goal extended his point-scoring streak to nine games.

Just 32 seconds later, Brett Thompson burned his former teammates by burying a shot between the legs of Murray for his 29th of the season, sending Murray to the bench in favor of Chris Perugini. Vern Cooper scored the lone tally of the period for the Greyhounds to make it a 4-1 contest in favor of the Otters heading into the third period.

The Greyhounds made things close late in the third on goals 95 seconds apart by Brett Findlay and David Quesnele. Thompson was able to put things away with an empty netter to give the Otters their first win against the Greyhounds since February 6, 2009, a 4-3 decision in a shootout.

Thompson was part of a newly put together unit with Varone and Luciani, which has terrific all night. Varone notched a career high of four assists while Luciani collected a goal and two assists.

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. 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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