Game Preview: Niagara vs Barrie

The IceDogs are on the road tonight as they try to make up some ground on the division leading Barrie Colts. This game signals the fifth game of the season between Niagara and Barrie. The season series is spilt 2-2 so you can expect both teams to come out firing as soon as the puck drops. 

The latest meeting between the two clubs on December 28th had to be decided in a shootout in which Barrie walked away with the 5-4 victory. Josh Ho-Sang kick started the scoring for the IceDogs, ending the game with a pair of goals, one assist, and a plus/minus of 3. Ho-Sang’s efforts were equally matched by Colts winger Kevin Labanc who scored two goals in the third period and added an assist on Barrie’s second goal. 

Battle for the Central Division

Trailing the Colts by just four points, the IceDogs will be looking to cut the Colts lead in half with a win on Saturday night. Barrie, on the other hand, will continue to try and distance themselves from Niagara and North Bay who are waiting for the Colts to slip up so that they can take advantage. Not to be forgotten is Mississauga who, despite having played three more games than their division rivals, are not out of the picture just yet. With approximately 22 games remaining in the season, the Central Division will be the one to watch as there can still be a lot of movement in the standings up until the final buzzer to conclude the season. 

Players to Watch

Since making the move from Saginaw to Barrie, 2014 San Jose draft pick Dylan Sadowy has been on fire. The 19 year-old left winger has played seven games so far with the Colts and has registered 10 goals and two assists. Sadowy currently has 30 goals and 46 points in 43 games this season and is tied with Andrew Mangiapane for the team lead in goals.  

Jordan Maletta has brought his A game each time Niagara has battled the Colts this season, registering four goals and two assists in four games, including a two goal game on Nov 28th which saw him score 34 seconds apart. The IceDogs alternate captain has registered the most goals of his OHL career this season, recording 27 goals and 45 points in 45 games, and is on pace to beat last year’s point total as well, only needing seven more points to do so. With 23 games remaining in the season it is safe to say that Maletta is having a career year. 

Team Stats