OHL Erie Otters

Varone leads Otters to 4-3 win over Colts

Published on November 20, 2010 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


The Erie Otters (10-14-1-0) shook off last night's lopsided loss and persevered without the services of Adam Pelech as they grabbed a 4-3 win over the Barrie Colts thanks to two-point nights by Anthony Luciani and Phil Varone.

The Otters had to endure a string of four Barrie power play in the first half of the first period, which included a double minor penalty on Matt Paton and two-minute long two-man advantage. During Barrie's fourth power play, the Otters struck with a shorthanded goal, as Shawn Szydlowski picked the pocket of Colin Behenna and streaked in for a breakaway, slipping the puck past Peter Di Salvo with a nifty move at 10:16 for his 11th goal of the season.

Brett Cook put the Otters up by a pair early in the second with his second of the season at 1:25. Luciani forced a turnover behind the Colts net and found Cook at the top of the left circle, and the defender blasted a shot past Di Salvo glove side under the crossbar for the tally.

The Colts pulled within a goal courtesy of Tanner Pearson at 5:07, and after each team was unable to convert on a pair of power plays, it was a set play off the faceoff that gave the Otters their two-goal lead back. Varone charged into the left corner after winning the faceoff and set up Luciani with a perfect pass at the top of the crease, and the sniper roofed the puck glove side for his seventh of the season at 13:49.

Pearson added his second of the game 1:59 into the third to put the Colts within one, but Varone took advantage of a friendly rebound left by Di Salvo at the left circle and floated the puck through the short side at 5:32 for his fifth of the season that stood as the game-winner. The Colts made one last push as Darren Archibald scored with 9:31 remaining, but the Otters defense held together for the win to salvage a four-point weekend.

Along with a goal and an assist for Varone and Luciani, Kris Grant played a strong game for Erie in place of Pelech. The rookie defenseman from Kingston, Ont. picked up an assist and notched a career-high +3 rating. Ramis Sadikov made 33 saves in picking up his 10th win of the season, giving him a .500 record for the season.

Join the Otters for the Third Annual Teddy Bear Toss presented by Lake Erie Spine and Injury Center Thursday Night when the Otters welcome the Belleville Bulls for a 7:00 p.m. start. Fans that donate a new or gently used stuffed animal to the Otters front office or to the game will receive a free ticket good for the games on November 27 or 28. When the Otters score their first goal, fans can throw their stuffed animal onto the ice, and the donations will be collected and given to local charities. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, the Civic Center Box Office 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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Ontario Hockey League Stories from November 20, 2010


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