The Barrie Colts Pull Out A Stunning Overtime Victory
The first period of the night was a hard fought battle as the IceDogs and the Colts searched for their first goal. Both goaltenders, Chris Festarini and Mathias Niederberger, played well and kept the score deadlocked at 0-0 after the first 20 minutes. Shots after one were 16-10 Barrie.
In the second period both teams increased the intensity as they fought to find the go ahead goal but the score remained even at zero. The Barrie Colts created ample opportunities but could not put one past netminder Chris Festarini. Both goaltenders remained calm and collected under pressure. The shots after two favoured Barrie 22-20 and the game remained scoreless heading into the third period.
The third period was pivotal in this Thursday night match-up for both teams as they searched for the win. Early in the third, the Colts poured it on but still couldn’t find the score sheet. The sharp goaltending made offensive breaks difficult to come by but with just over two minutes to go, Steven Shipley would bury a rebound to give the IceDogs a 1-0 lead. A resilient Barrie Colts team did not hang their heads and instead came right back at the IceDogs. With just over a minute to go Steven Beyers would hammer home a shot from the point to tie this game at 1-1 while silencing the Niagara crowd. Erik Bradford and Anthony Camara were credited with the assists. With 39 seconds left in regulation, Niagara would take an undisciplined penalty giving the Barrie Colts the man advantage heading into overtime.
Overtime would not last long, as Barrie Colts captain Ryan O’Connor would blast home a one timer for his tenth power play goal of the season just 35 seconds in. Zach Hall and Steven Beyers picked up the assists. Mathias Niederberger was once again a star in this game making 29 saves for his league leading 25th win. The Colts remain perfect against Niagara going 4-0-0-0 in the season series thus far.
The Barrie Colts will be back in action when they return home for a game against the Peterborough Petes Saturday January 26th. This will be the last time the Colts are on home ice until February 16th as they head out on a long road stand.
