IceDogs Fall to Otters in Tough 6-5 Battle

The Niagara IceDogs played host to the Erie Otters on Wednesday night at the Meridian Centre in hopes of putting the Otters 5 game winning streak to rest. Erie has gone undefeated since the two teams last met on October 6th, a 4-3 victory for the IceDogs.

The IceDogs proved to be deadly in all situations in the first period, including the penalty kill. While shorthanded midway through the period, Matthew Philip drove hard to the net and buried a feed from Graham Knott at 10:30 to open the scoring. Although Stephen Dhillon stood on his head at the other end of the ice, Erie managed to tie it up at the 12:39 mark of the period. With under a minute left to play, it looked as if Graham Knott put the ‘Dogs back in front, however his goal was disallowed due to an illegal kick. The game would remain tied at 1 after 20 minutes.

Over the course of the season, the IceDogs have proven to respond well after a goal against. Tampa Bay prospect Chris Paquette showed off his speed as he beat the Otters’ defenseman wide before burying it far side to give the IceDogs a 2-1 lead at 6:32 on an assist from Kyle Langdon. The ‘Dogs ran into penalty trouble in the second half of the period, allowing back to back power play goals to give Erie a 3-2 lead heading into the third.

In times of trial, a good team needs its veterans to step up to the plate. With the majority of the IceDogs in their rookie season, Chris Paquette proved his leadership value as he netted his second goal of the game on a fantastic individual effort at 3:49 of the third period to tie the game at 3. The Otters took a 6-3 lead late into the period, though late goals by Aaron Haydon and Ryan Mantha helped the ‘Dogs climb back to 6-5. Ultimately, the IceDogs would lose by a score of 6-5, despite an inspiring comeback.

The IceDogs next home game is October 27th versus Saginaw.

Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls shots on goal:

NIA: 33

ER: 37

Big Marco’s Pizza Three Stars of the Game:

1st star: Taylor Raddysh (ERIE)

2nd star: Chris Paquette

3rd star: Ivan Lodnia (ERIE)