GAMEDAY PREVIEW | IceDogs host Spirit to open 3 in 3 weekend
The Niagara IceDogs return to action tonight, at home, against the Saginaw Spirit. This evening’s game is the final time these two teams will face each other this season. Previously, they were matched up in early December, when the ‘Dogs fell 3-1 in Saginaw. Coming into this game, the Spirit have won 2 of their previous 5 games. The ‘Dogs are coming into this game trying to turn their luck around, after some narrow losses – despite picking up a point in Peterborough on Monday.
Tonight’s game is presented by CMHA Niagara and Teachers Life Canada, in support of mental health and suicide prevention initatives. For more information as to how CMHA Niagara and Teachers Life Canada are partnered with the OHL click here.
These two teams are fairly evenly matched and are hovering over the 60 point range thus far on the season. The Spirit are lead this season by Marcus Crawford and Mason Kohn, who have 49 and 48 points on the season respectively. The ‘Dogs are likely to face Evan Cormier in goal tonight, who comes into this game with a save percentage of .899, and a goals against average of 3.17.
The ‘Dogs are being led on the scoresheet by Sam Miletic, whose 77 points on the season sits atop team scoring stats, and tied for 5th in the league. Sam Miletic and Akil Thomas are tied for most assists this season, team-wide, with 48 assists. Of Thomas’ 48 assists this season, 21 have come on the powerplay. Kirill Maksimov’s 5 insurance goals this season is among the best in the league, as well.
The ‘Dogs 5th ranked penalty kill will be facing the Spirit’s 18th ranked powerplay this afternoon. However, the ‘Dogs will be facing one of the least efficient penalty killing units against Saginaw tonight, so their powerplay could find an opportunity to be sparked again. Special teams could play a significant role in this games’ outcome.
Tonight’s starting goaltender for the IceDogs had not yet been announced.
IceDogs’ Top 5 Point Leaders
| Points | Goals | Assists | |
| Sam Miletic | 77 | 29 | 48 |
| Akil Thomas | 66 | 18 | 48 |
| Kirill Makismov | 61 | 28 | 33 |
| Ben Jones | 61 | 18 | 43 |
| Danial Singer | 44 | 25 | 19 |
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NIAGARA: 26-21-6-3 (61 pts)
SAGINAW: 27-21-8-0 (62 pts)
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Limited tickets are still available for tonight’s against the Saginaw Spirit, presented by CMHA Talk Today and Teachers Life Canada.
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
