Bryant Records Hat-Trick, Flores Makes 44 Saves As IceDogs Win Big In Erie
ERIE, PA – A Gavin Bryant hat-trick alongside of a 44 save performance from Owen Flores propels the IceDogs to a big win over the Otters.
Final Score: NIA 6 – ER 1
Starting Goaltenders: Owen Flores (Niagara) – Charlie Burns (Erie)
The IceDogs would get the start they desired as a nice set of passing sprung Gavin Bryant on breakaway which ended in him being hauled down by the Otters defenceman. Bryant would be awarded a penalty shot and would make no mistake, sliding it five-hole past former IceDogs goalie, Charlie Burns. The Otters were looking to get some momentum back as they headed to the powerplay. However, Alex Assadourian and the IceDogs had other ideas. Assadourian would steal the puck at the blueline and skate in on a breakaway, eventually beating Burns on a beautiful backhand to forehand move. They weren’t done there as Gavin Bryant would find his second of the game, beating Burns up high off of a Kevin He pass in the high slot. Owen Flores would keep the momentum on the IceDogs side, making 15 stops in the period as the game stood at 3-0 heading into the second.
With the Otters trailing by three they would start the period looking to get back into in the hockey game. They would get a few good looks only to be stopped by Owen Flores who was continuing his excellent game. It would take awhile for either team to find some offence in the second, with the first goal coming at 16:14 via Ivan Galiyanov, making it 4-0 for the IceDogs. The play would start at the defensive blueline as Alex Assadourian stole the puck and created a 2-on-1, which resulted in a shot off the pad of Burns and on the stick of Galiyanov would buried the rebound. The IceDogs would tack on another before the period ended as Ryan Roobroeck created a turnover and headed on a breakaway with his initial shot being stopped by Burns only for Roobroeck to slam home the rebound. This would mark his 20th of the season, he now only trails Akil Thomas and Kevin He by one goal for the franchise rookie record in goals (21). Owen Flores would make another 15 saves in the period to bring his game total up to 30 saves on 30 shots.
The IceDogs were just looking to close this out as they led by five at the start of the third. They would do exactly that as Gavin Bryant would close this one out for good with his third of the game, recording his first career hat-trick. The focus now turned to Owen Flores‘ shutout bid as with less than 10 minutes remaining in the third. The Otters continued to apply pressure and would eventually get one past Flores. Nonetheless, Owen Flores would be excellent all night long, making an impressive 44 saves en route to victory.
First Period Scoring Summary:
1-0 (Niagara Goal): Gavin Bryant (14) Penalty Shot
2-0 (Niagara Goal): Alex Assadourian (6) SHG
3-0 (Niagara Goal): Gavin Bryant (15), Assists: Kevin He (19), William Stewart (4)
Shots: ER 15 – NIA 12
Second Period Scoring Summary:
4-0 (Niagara Goal): Ivan Galiyanov (5), Assist: Alex Assadourian (14)
5-0 (Niagara Goal): Ryan Roobroeck (20)
Shots: ER 30 – NIA 25
Third Period Scoring Summary:
6-0 (Niagara Goal): Gavin Bryant (16), Assists: Ryan VanNetten (7), Mathieu Paris (17)
6-1 (Erie Goal): Brett Bressette (15), Assists: Dylan Edwards (6), Kaleb Smith (13)
Shots: ER 45 – NIA 30
Three Stars of the Game:
- Gavin Bryant (3 goals)
- Owen Flores (44 saves)
- Alex Assadourian (1 goal, 1 assist)
Full Game Box Score Here!