IceDogs Fall to Frontenacs, Clinch Playoff Spot

NIAGARA, ON – The Niagara IceDogs fell to (28-26-4-4) on the season after a 4-3 overtime loss against the Kingston Frontenacs on Thursday night. Despite the defeat, the IceDogs secured a crucial point in the standings, officially clinching their first OHL playoff berth since 2019.

Niagara came out strong in front of a fired-up Meridian Centre crowd. Ivan Galiyanov opened the scoring at 9:22 of the first period, finishing off a beautiful tic-tac-toe setup from Callum Cheynowski and Jack Brauti.

Kingston responded in the second period with back-to-back goals, but the IceDogs refused to back down. Noah Van Vliet delivered a highlight-reel penalty shot goal at 15:21, tying the game at 2-2.

The Frontenacs regained the lead early in the third, but Niagara kept pushing. With just 17 seconds left in regulation, Mathieu Paris delivered in the clutch, burying the game-tying goal off a pass from Ryan Roobroeck to send the game to overtime.

Unfortunately, Kingston would find the winner just over a minute into the extra frame, as Joey Willis capitalized on a chance to end the game.

Despite the loss, the IceDogs’ single point in the standings secured their long-awaited return to the OHL postseason. Playoff hockey is officially coming back to Niagara for the first time in six years.

Niagara will be back in action on Tuesday, March 11th when they take on the Barrie Colts at the Meridian Centre at 7:00 PM.

Visit niagaraicedogs.net for tickets and more.