Tough Start Against Niagara
Published on March 23, 2012 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Oshawa Generals News Release
St. Catherines, Ontario - The Generals had a tough start to their playoff run in St. Catharines on Thursday night. They fell 8-2 to the Niagara IceDogs in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Quarter Final, before a crowd of 3,145 at the Gatorade Garden City Complex. Niagara scored 5 in the first period, and their power play went 5/8 on the night. Alex Friesen had a hat trick to go with 4 points, and IceDogs' captain Andrew Agozzino also had a 4 point game. Daniel Altshuller made 30 saves in relief of Kevin Bailie, and Oshawa showed resilience, scoring 2 late in the second. Unfortunately, the damage had already been done as Niagara skated away with the win.
Oshawa and Niagara hit the ice boasting a combined total of thirteen 20 goal scorers. The series also features 20 NHL draft picks and 5 players from this year's edition of Team Canada that won bronze in Alberta.
In the first period, Niagara's firepower came at Kevin Bailie in droves. A highly effective power play, sustained offensive zone pressure, and key faceoff wins helped the IceDogs jump out to a 5 goal lead.
Daniel Altshuller came on to relieve Bailie in the middle frame. Niagara scored 2 more on the power play, but the Generals pushed back, making it 7-2 at the end of the second period. Emerson Clark ignited the visiting side when he scored at 13:17. Christian Thomas furthered Oshawa's resilience at 15:35.
In the third period, Friesen capped off his great night, completing the hat trick on the power play and giving Niagara their 8-2 final.
Niagara outshot Oshawa 51-34.
Alex Friesen, Andrew Agozzino and Brett Ritchie were the game's three star selections.
The Generals have a chance to turn it around at home tomorrow night, Friday March 23rd. They're right back at it, playing Niagara in Game 2 at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa. Puck drops at 7:35 PM. Come cheer on the Gens as they attempt to even the series against the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 23, 2012
- Knights blank the Spitfires 3-0 - Windsor Spitfires
- Storm Strikes First in Series - Guelph Storm
- Spirit Take Game 1 Over Sting 5-1 - Saginaw Spirit
- Rangers Open Playoffs with 6-2 Victory - Kitchener Rangers
- Majors blank the Colts 4-0 - Mississauga St. Michael's Majors
- IceDogs Lead Series by 2 - Oshawa Generals
- Goaltending Sparks Guelph to 4-2 Playoff Victory Over Plymouth - Plymouth Whalers
- IceDogs Dominate in 6-1 Win Over Oshawa; Take 2-0 Series Lead - Niagara IceDogs
- 1600 Tickets Still Available for Game 2 at WFCU Centre - Windsor Spitfires
- Game 1 in Kitchener Tonight - Owen Sound Attack
- Colts Raise $250,000 For Local Schools - Barrie Colts
- Niagara IceDogs Live Play-By-Play Returning to 610 CKTB in September - Niagara IceDogs
- Tough Start Against Niagara - Oshawa Generals
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
