GAMEDAY PREVIEW | IceDogs host Bulldogs in 3rd K-9 Cup Challenge Game

Your Niagara IceDogs continue their homestand tonight to host the Hamilton Bulldogs as they open their 3 in 4 weekend at the Meridian Centre. This evening’s game marks the third instalment in the 610CKTB and TSN 1150 K-9 Cup Challenge. The season series between the ‘Dogs’ sits at 3-0, in favour of the IceDogs. In their most recent matchup, the Bulldogs were sent packing with a 7-3 beating, by the IceDogs.

Coming into this game, the Bulldogs have won 4 of their past 5 games, while the ‘Dogs have recently broken a losing slump with two big home wins last weekend.

The Bulldogs currently lead the Eastern Conference, with 82 points this season.

This season, the Bulldogs offensively by Brandon Saigeon, who has 33 goals and 32 assists, and Matthew Strome, who has 34 goals and 30 assists. Of Saigeon’s 33 goals, 9 of which have been game-winning goals. 10 of Strome’s goals on the season have been the first goals of the game. Their powerplay’s been dominant, with Brandon Saigeon and Will Bitten ranking amongst the best in the league in powerplay goals (Saigeon, with 23 goals), and powerplay assists (Bitten, with 15 assists). Goaltender Kaden Fulcher has the 3rd most wins this season, with 29, behind Matthew Villalta and Justin Fazio. Although the Bulldogs acquired Robert Thomas from London at the trade deadline, he has only played in 15 games since being acquired and collecting 15 points (2 goals, 13 assists).

The ‘Dogs are being led on the scoresheet by Sam Miletic, whose 81 points on the season sits atop team scoring stats, and 5th in the league. Of Miletic’s 81 points, 50 are assists, which also ranks among the most in the league this season. Akil Thomas, who ranks second in team assists, with 48 on the season, collected 21 assists on the powerplay. Ranking 2nd in team goals scored, Kirill’s 6 insurance goals on the season ranks amongst the top in the league this season.

The ‘Dogs 6th ranked penalty kill will be facing the Bulldogs’ 4th best powerplay, in the league, tonight. However, the ‘Dogs will be facing the leagues’ 15th rank penalty killing units from North Bay, so their powerplay could find an opportunity to be sparked again.

IceDogs’ Top 5 Point Leaders

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NIAGARA: 28-22-6-3 (65 pts)

HAMILTON:  38-16-3-3 (82 pts)

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Limited tickets are still available for tonights’ home game, against the Hamilton Bulldogs, presented by Great Clips. Make sure to visit the Great Clips booth on the Meridian Centre concourse for $5 haircuts, with all proceeds being donated in support of Community Care St. Catharines/Thorold

Take advantage of our $5 Value Section tickets! Max of 4/customer.

Tickets can be purchased online HERE, or in person at the following locations:

IceDogs Meridian Centre Offices 905-687-3641
Meridian Centre Box Office
Pen Centre Customer Service
Seaway Mall Customer Service