Langdon Scores Overtime Winner as IceDogs Edge 67’s 2-1
Vladislav Yermolenko makes 44 saves as Niagara secures thrilling overtime victory at Meridian Centre
NIAGARA, Ont. — Jared Langdon scored the overtime winner and Vladislav Yermolenko turned aside 44 shots as the Niagara IceDogs defeated the Ottawa 67’s 2-1 in a thrilling contest Thursday night at Meridian Centre.
Yermolenko delivered another standout performance between the pipes, stopping 44 of 45 shots to earn first-star honours and recognition as the Ontario Hockey League’s second star of the night.
The Belarusian netminder improved to 6-0 in his OHL career when making at least 38 saves, posting a 2.26 goals-against average and .948 save percentage in those outings. Through five appearances to open the 2026-27 campaign, Yermolenko holds a 3-2 record with a 2.55 GAA and .925 save percentage.
Rookie forward Stepan Stejskal opened the scoring late in the first period with his second goal of the season and first at Meridian Centre.
Applying pressure on the forecheck, Stejskal intercepted an Ottawa pass in the offensive zone before driving toward the middle of the ice and beating 67’s goaltender Jaeden Nelson with a quick release.
Langdon picked up an assist on the goal, recording his first of two points on the night.
Ottawa responded midway through the third period when Spencer Bowes capitalized on a rebound during a 67’s power play, beating Yermolenko to even the score at 1-1 and force overtime.
The extra frame featured a frantic stretch of end-to-end action, with both teams generating quality scoring opportunities in the final 80 seconds of the period.
Ottawa’s Caleb Dietsch broke free for a scoring chance, but Yermolenko came up with a crucial save to keep Niagara alive.
Defenceman Sebastian Dell’Elce quickly transitioned the puck the other way, carrying it into the Ottawa zone before sending a shot just over the net. Reyth Smith recovered the loose puck and fired from the top of the circle, but Nelson turned aside the attempt.
Following another Ottawa clearance, Ryerson Edgar regained possession and moved the puck up ice to Callum Cheynowski, who generated a scoring opportunity. Langdon pounced on the rebound and buried the overtime winner with 50 seconds left in the extra frame, securing Niagara’s 2-1 victory.
Milestones and Notable Moments
Thursday’s contest marked a pair of milestones for the IceDogs.
Forward Ivan Galiyanov appeared in his 200th career OHL game, having played every game of his major junior career with Niagara.
Newly acquired forward Joey Banas also made his IceDogs debut.
Before puck drop, Canadian country music artist Tim Hicks joined the teams at centre ice for a ceremonial puck drop.
Up Next: IceDogs Host Barrie Colts
The IceDogs return to Meridian Centre on Saturday, Oct. 10, when they host Division Rivals, the Barrie Colts, at 7 p.m.
Fans can purchase tickets online and be part of the action as Niagara continues its 2026-27 OHL campaign.
