IceDogs Come up Just Short on TEEPEES Throwback Night
The Niagara IceDogs played host to the cross-town rival Hamilton Bulldogs tonight in their second of three games this weekend. The IceDogs wore commemorative St. Catharines TEEPEES jerseys to honour the two-time Memorial Cup Champions on an evening of reflection.
The Battle of the Dogs got off to a fast-paced start in the opening period as the IceDogs wasted no time getting acquainted with their opponent. Chris Paquette generated a handful of offensive zone opportunities for the ‘Dogs as Nick Pastorious layed a couple heavy hits to the delight of the crowd at the Meridian Centre. Hamilton jumped to a 2-0 lead after 1.
The second frame offered fans a chance to see the young IceDogs battle through adversity like every young team does. A series of undisciplined penalties by Hamilton allowed the IceDogs to showcase their puck-moving ability on the power play. Captain Ryan Mantha started the comeback on a top shelf snapshot from the point on assists from Paquette and Liam Ham. Less than a minute later, Ham fired home his first career OHL goal on a beautiful feed from Mantha to tie the game at 2. Hamilton would strike again shortly after, taking a 3-2 lead. The IceDogs weren’t fazed, though. With just over a minute left in the period, Ben Jones tapped in a loose puck on assists from Oliver Castleman and Aaron Haydon to tie the game at 3 heading into the third.
The IceDogs faithful at the Meridian Centre had plenty to be excited about to start the third period. Both teams took a primarily conservative approach in the first half of the final frame, much to the approval of goaltender Stephen Dhillon. Ultimately, the IceDogs would come up just short, losing 4-3.
The IceDogs are on the road bright and early on Sunday morning for an afternoon battle in Peterborough. Fans can catch the game on Cogeco TV Niagara (Channel 10 or 700HD) and on 610 CKTB, the IceDogs radio network.
Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls shots on goal: Niagara 22 Hamilton 36
Big Marco’s Three Stars:
1st star: Matt Luff (HAM)
2nd star: Ryan Mantha (NIA)
3rd star: Michael Cramarossa (HAM)
