Owen Flores Makes 34 Saves, IceDogs Drop A Tight One To The Battalion
NIAGARA, ON – Owen Flores makes 34 saves as the IceDogs drop a close one to the North Bay Battalion.
Final Score: NB 3 – NIA 2
Starting Goaltenders: Mike McIvor (North Bay) – Owen Flores (Niagara)
It would take over 15 minutes into the period but the goals would eventually come as the Battalion opened the scoring through Justin Ertel. The IceDogs would respond a mere two minutes later as Kevin He would turn on the jets and beat the Battalion defenceman, eventually sliding it home on the back hand. His 16th of the season would add to the team lead with Zakary Lavoie behind him with 12 goals. However, North Bay would get that goal right back as Justin Ertel scored his second of the game just 1:44 after the IceDogs goal. The goal came with only 16 seconds remaining in the period, giving North Bay the 2-1 lead heading into the second period.
The Battalion would jump out to a two goal lead nearing the halfway point of the middle period. Dalyn Wakely took a cross-ice pass from Justin Ertel and beat Owen Flores over the shoulder to make it 3-1. Another quick response from the IceDogs as Ryan Roobroeck would go upstairs for his 11th of the season, bringing the game within one goal. Looking for the equalizer, the IceDogs would get a myriad of great chances but couldn’t find a way to tie it up. They would trail by one going into the final period of play.
A scoreless third period would see the Battalion take the win over the IceDogs. A strong effort in the final frame from the IceDogs made it difficult for the Battalion but they were able to hold off the IceDogs attack. Owen Flores made an impressive 34 saves in the loss.
First Period Scoring Summary:
1-0 (North Bay Goal): Justin Ertel (13), Assist: Alex Cajkovic (10)
1-1 (Niagara Goal): Kevin He (16): Assists: Gavin Bryant (13), Ryan Vannetten (3)
2-1 (North Bay Goal): Justin Ertel (14), Assist: Anthony Romani (26)
Shots: NIA 12 – NB 11
Second Period Scoring Summary:
3-1 (North Bay Goal): Dalyn Wakely (13), Assists: Justin Ertel (18), Anthony Romani (27)
3-2 (Niagara Goal): Ryan Roobroeck (11), Assists: Ethan Czata (7), Artem Frolov (8)
Shots: NIA 26 – NB 25
Third Period Scoring Summary:
No Scoring.
Shots: NB 37 – NIA 34
Full Game Box Score Here!
The IceDogs managed to take 4 of 6 points on the weekend. They will now be off for the holiday break, getting back in action on December 28th in Owen Sound.
