Game Preview: Niagara vs Guelph

Niagara will be looking to weather the storm tonight as they are set to take on Guelph at 7:00pm at the Meridian Centre. The IceDogs were able to defeat the Storm handily in their first and only contest of the season thus far, defeating Guelph by a score of 5-1. The penalty killing unit for the Dogs was sharp for the full 60 minutes, killing off seven of eight penalties during the contest. 

The hunt for the postseason is officially on as each day teams are coming closer to extending their season beyond March. The IceDogs are approximately only seven points away from clinching their spot. 

The Calm Before the Storm

Guelph has had a disappointing season to say the least. The club is currently in last place in the OHL standings, a shock to most as the Storm easily clinched the playoffs last year and even made it to the second round. With Guelph’s playoff hopes all but lost (they would have to win the remainder of their 11 games and need Saginaw to lose their next 10) it will be interesting to see how the Storm will perform on the ice for the next couple of weeks. 

Players to Watch

Givani Smith has demonstrated his offensive upside more than once this season. The 17 year old recorded a three game point streak on two separate occasions last month. His first streak saw him capture seven points in three games, while his second run at things found him recording four points. In his last six games, Smith has four points, all of which are assists.

Former Guelph Storm, Tyler Boston, will be facing off against his old team for the first time since being acquired by the IceDogs. The Newmarket, ON native has shown some flashes of his old self, ending the final three games of January with three points. Boston may have some extra pep in his step tonight as he’ll most likely want to get on the board against his former club. 

Team Stats