GAMEDAY PREVIEW: IceDogs finish 3 in 3 weekend in Ottawa

Your Niagara IceDogs are back on the road today, as they visit the Ottawa 67s to finish off a big 3 in 3 weekend. Coming off a 3-1 win last night in Kingston, and a 4-2 win against London on Thursday, the ‘Dogs are looking to make this weekend a fully winning weekend, with a game against a familiar Eastern Conference rival. After winning the past 6 of 7 games, Niagara is currently tied for points with the Barrie Colts, in the Central Division, with 35 points. Tonight marks defenseman Elijah Roberts’ 150th OHL game!

The ‘Dogs are 5 points ahead of the 67s, coming into tonights game. These two teams have already played each other twice, most recently a 3-2 win for the ‘Dogs at home last month.  The ‘Dogs will come into this looking to get an advantage in the season series.

For the IceDogs to be successful in tonight’s game, their powerplay is going to need to be a strong point of their game. The IceDogs will be facing the 6th best penalty kill in the league.Kirill Maksimov leads  the team, with 9 powerplay goals, while Akil Thomas ranks fourth in league powerplay assists, with 14. The 67’s powerplay is at the bottom of the league, in efficiency. The Dogs’ penalty kill has been a major factor, ranking 2nd in the league, only behind Sarnia, with an 85.2% efficiency rate.

Stephen Dhillon has played extremely well as of late, and has a 2.87 goals against average. Stevie’s also among the best in wins this season, with 14 under his belt. Dhillon will likely return between the pipes tonight, after getting the night off – as Colton Incze marked his first win of the season in Kingston.

Kirill Maksimov also ranks at the top of league insurance goals scored, with 4, which is sure to help the ‘Dogs this weekend against Ottawa. The IceDogs have received other secondary scoring from second year forwards Danial Singer, Matthew Philip and Oliver Castleman. While the defensemen have become more active in the offensive zone, especially with the activation of Liam Ham and Justin MacPherson when the ‘Dogs have extended control of the puck in the opposition’s zone.

IceDogs’ Top 5 Point Leaders:

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NIAGARA: 15-9-3-2 (35 pts)

OTTAWA: 14-14-1-1 (30 pts)

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Canada’s National Junior Team is being hosted at the Meridian Centre next week from Dec. 12-15! Practices are open to the public for free admission and pre-tournament games can be purchased through the Niagara IceDogs. Tickets for pre-tournament games against USports All-Stars, including former IceDog Stephen Harper, on Dec. 13th and 14th, and against team Denmark, on Dec. 15th are still available!

You don’t want to miss out on these games – you could get an early glimpse to Canada’s World Junior team vying for a gold medal!

Tickets can be purchased online HERE or in person IceDogs Meridian Centre Offices 905-687-3641