IceDogs Drop Battle of the Dogs 3-2 in OT

The IceDogs travelled down the QEW to Hamilton this morning to take on the Bulldogs in their annual school game. This is the third instalment in the Battle of the Dogs, and the IceDogs were looking to add another win after their recently successful weekend.

The first period was spirited, featuring penalties on both sides. Both teams’ penalty kills came up big, not allowing an advantaged goal. Stephen Dhillon made several saves to keep the game scoreless, but late in the period, Hamilton scored to take the lead. The IceDogs responded well, Chris Paquette, in particular, had a couple great chances but couldn’t beat the Bulldogs’ goalie. Hamilton carried their one goal lead in the 2^nd period.

Early in the 2^nd frame, Ryan Mantha scored from the point to tie the game on the powerplay! Mantha’s equalizer was assisted by Chris Paquette and Ben Jones. Mantha’s goal stood as being the only of the period, carrying the 1-1 tie into the 2^nd intermission.

Jonathan Schaefer scored his first of the season 32 seconds into the 3^rd period to give the the IceDogs the 2-1 lead. Schaefer’s tally was assisted by Chris Paquette and Kyle Langdon. The IceDogs experienced a scare nearing the midway point of the period when Dhillon was run over by a Bulldogs forward, but he was good to stay in the game. With less than 5 minutes to go, Hamilton scored to tie the game.

60 minutes proved to not be enough, and the game headed into overtime tied 2-2. Overtime did not last long, Hamilton scored the winner just over a minute into the extra time to take the game by a score of 3-2.

Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls Shots on Goal
Niagara: 37

Hamilton: 34

Big Marco’s 3 Stars of the Game:

1^st: Matthew Strome (HAM)

2^nd: Chris Paquette (#14)

3^rd: Marian Studenic (HAM)