GAMEDAY PREVIEW | IceDogs finish season series against Bulldogs at home tonight

Your Niagara IceDogs are home this evening as the Hamilton Bulldogs come to town. These two teams last faced each other last Saturday, where the IceDogs clinched the K-9 Cup with a 5-3 win in Hamilton. Coming into tonight’s game, the IceDogs will be looking to finish their season series against the Bulldogs without a regulation loss. Coming into this game, the Bulldogs have won 3 of their last 5 games, while Niagara has won 4 of their past 5.

This season, the Bulldogs are led offensively by Robert Thomas, who has 74 points on the season (24 goals, 50 assists), followed by Brandon Saigeon, who has 70 points. Of Saigeon’s 35 goals, 9 of which have been game-winning goals, ranking 4^th in the league. Matthew Strome has scored 37 goals this season, and two coming in Saturday’s game. Of those 37, 10 of Strome’s goals have been first goals. The IceDogs may be facing one of the winningest goalies in the league this season, in Kaden Fulcher.

The ‘Dogs are being led on the scoresheet by Sam Miletic, whose 91 points on the season sits atop team scoring stats, and 5th in the league. Of Miletic’s 91 points, 55 are assists, which also ranks among the most in the league this season, tied with Akil Thomas’ 55 on the season. 24 of Thomas’ assists have been collected on the power play, ranking 4^th in the league. Ranking second on the team for goals scored, with 33, Kirill’s 6 insurance goals on the season ranks amongst the top in the league this season. Sam Miletic is tied with Maksi with 6 insurance goals scored on the season.

The ‘Dogs 7th ranked penalty kill will be facing the Bulldogs’ 3rd ranked powerplay, in the league, tonight. The ‘Dogs penalty kill will need to be at its best tonight as Hamilton’s led by Brandon Saigeon with 16 powerplay goals, Will Bitten’s 23 powerplay assists. However, the ‘Dogs’ 12th ranked powerplay will be facing the leagues’ 16th rank penalty killing units from Hamilton.

After clinching a playoff spot, the IceDogs are continuing to battle to secure a spot in the top 4, to give them the all-important home ice advantage in the first round of the postseason.

IceDogs’ Top 5 Point Leaders

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NIAGARA: 32-23-7-3 (74 pts)

HAMILTON:  42-18-3-3 (90 pts)

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Tickets are still available for tonight’s’ game against the Hamilton Bulldogs, presented by Niagara College. Tickets can be purchased online HERE, or in person at the following locations:

IceDogs Meridian Centre Offices 905-687-3641
Meridian Centre Box Office
Pen Centre Customer Service
Seaway Mall Customer Service