GAMEDAY PREVIEW: IceDogs return to action in North Bay tonight
Your Niagara IceDogs are back in action tonight, as they hit the road to take on the North Bay Battalion in their first game following the Holiday break! Tonight marks a rematch of our Teddy Bear Toss game on Dec. 15th, when the ‘Dogs were defeated 6-3.
The ‘Dogs are 9 points ahead of the Battalion, coming into tonights game. These two teams have already played each other three times this season, with the IceDogs leading the season series 2 games to 1.
For the IceDogs to be successful in tonight’s game, their special teams are going to need to come alive. Despite having the 2nd best penalty kill in the league, the powerplay hasn’t been as strong as the ‘Dogs would like heading down the stretch. Kirill Maksimov leads the team, with 9 powerplay goals, while Akil Thomas ranks fourth in league powerplay assists, with 15.
Stephen Dhillon is likely to have the start between the pipes tonight, after having nearly two weeks off for the break. Fans can expect Stevie to come into this game refreshed.
Kirill Maksimov also ranks at the top of league insurance goals scored, with 4, which is sure to help the ‘Dogs against their Central Division rivals. The IceDogs have received other secondary scoring from second year forwards Danial Singer, Matthew Philip and Oliver Castleman. While the defensemen have become more active in the offensive zone, especially with the activation of Liam Ham and Justin MacPherson when the ‘Dogs have extended control of the puck in the opposition’s zone.
IceDogs’ Top 5 Point Leaders:
| Points | Goals | Assists | |
| Kirill Maksimov | 34 | 20 | 14 |
| Ben Jones | 34 | 12 | 22 |
| Akil Thomas | 33 | 8 | 25 |
| Danial Singer | 25 | 13 | 12 |
| Johnny Corneil | 20 | 8 | 12 |
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NIAGARA: 16-11-3-2 (37 pts)
NORTH BAY: 12-18-4-0 (28 pts)
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Tickets are still available for our next home game, Sunday, December 31st, against the Hamilton Bulldogs! Join us on New Years Eve as we ring in 2018 with another instalment in the 610 CKTB and TSN 1150 K-9 Cup Challenge! 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
