OHL Erie Otters

Varone Scores OT Winner on PP as Otters Win, 2-1

Published on December 3, 2010 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Erie Otters News Release


Phil Varone scored both goals for the Erie Otters (14-14-1-0), including the overtime winner on the power play with 1:52 left as Erie disposed of the Kitchener Rangers for the second time in less than a week in a 2-1 win Friday night at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. The win was the Otters' fifth in a row, their longest streak since the 2008-09 season.

The win in Kitchener was the first for Erie since January 18, 2009, snapping a seven-game losing streak at the Aud. The Otters won back-to-back games in overtime for the first time in seven years, when they won consecutive 3-2 decisions at Barrie on Feb. 13, 2003 and against London on Feb. 15, 2003.

Varone's shot came after he weaved into the slot during the man advantage and ripped a shot between the legs of Brandon Maxwell to quiet the hometown crowd in Kitchener. The Rangers lost for just the third time at home this season as a result of the Varone goal.

The Rangers struck first 6:27 into the contest after Matt Paton took a penalty for goaltender interference. Matthew Tipoff converted on the ensuing power play for Kitchener by shoveling a backhander between the legs of Ramis Sadikov for his 13th goal of the season.

In the second period, the Otters received a pair of power plays, and despite some good chances, were unable to take advantage of them. Varone made sure that the Otters weren't behind going into the second intermission with a great play. The overager, who scored a hat trick against Kitchener last Saturday, went one-on-one with the defender Jonathan Jasper in the slot, and passed it to himself in the left circle, where he ripped a shot through the glove side of Maxwell for his ninth goal of the season at 18:50.

After a third period in which both teams had chances to break the deadlock, it would be a Cody Sol slashing penalty that gave the Otters a prime chance to win. Varone ensured that with his 10th goal of the season to seal the win for Erie.

Sadikov was impressive for Erie, as he made 34 saves in the win to improve to 14-10-1-0 for the season. Both power plays were 1-for-3, and shots were even at 35, marking the first time this season that the Otters and their opponent were tied in shots.

The Otters return home to battle against the Sarnia Sting Saturday night at 7:00 p.m., presented by PA Lottery. Fans who bring a new or gently used winter coat will receive a free ticket to the game on December 17 or 18 as part of the annual Coats for Kids drive. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, the Civic Center Box Office or by calling 814-452-4857.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from December 3, 2010


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