THREE STARS: Brightest Stars Shine in the Playoffs
Erie, Pennsylvania – It’s down to the wire for the Erie Otters as the Kitchener Rangers currently lead the series 3-2. Tuesday’s game will decide whether or not Erie will be seeing a game seven, but the stars were shining on the ice last week.
In the first of three games last week, the Otters fell 4-3 in overtime. They’d turn it around on Tuesday and win in a decisive 5-3 game before falling in another OT game 3-2.
Here are the players who made this week possible.
THIRD STAR – SAM ALFANO
The Big Rig Sam Alfano is bringing big points! With four points in his last three games, Alfano’s playoff point total is at 8 with five goals and three assists.
In game three, Alfano would open the scoring for the night and be the one to give the Otters a 1-0 lead before eventually falling in overtime. Two days later in game four, Alfano earned Second Star honors with one goal and one assist. Once again, Alfano opened the scoring for the night with a goal just under six minutes into the first frame, and he assisted Alexis Daviault on the game-winner just over eight minutes into the final frame. In game five, Alfano logged one assist on Pano Fimis’s goal in the second that tied the game up 1-1.
Alfano has been one of the OHL’s true breakout stars in the post-season, and will look to continue to shine bright in the hope of extending the playoff run.
SECOND STAR – PANO FIMIS
It’s been a big week for Pano Fimis, as he is now the leading scorer for the Otters in their playoff run as well as being nominated for the Red Tilson Trophy – an award for the most outstanding player in the OHL regular season.
Fimis grabbed six points in the last three games with two goals and four assists. His first two assists came in game three, where he helped Sam Alfano and Dylan Edwards find the back of the net for the first and third goals respectively.
In game four, had one assist on the first goal of the night to Sam Alfano again, and scored a goal of his own in the second, a shorthanded beauty that tied the game up 2-2. In game five, Fimis was involved with both of the Otters’ goals that night, scoring the first and assisting Dylan Edwards on the second.
It’s only fitting that the regular season leading scorer is also the post-season leading scorer for Erie.
FIRST STAR – BEN GAUDREAU
Back like he never left is Ben Gaudreau!
After battling with a lower-body injury back in January, Big Ben has finally returned to the ice and is once again showing why he’s one of the top goaltenders in the OHL. In just three games since his return, Gaudreau has racked up 100 saves from 110 shots. His efforts in net have forced two overtime games and awarded him two straight First Star honors.
Every minute on the ice remaining could be the last of the magnificent major junior career of Gaudreau – and he is putting in the work to extend his career as long as he can.
The Otters return home on Tuesday with a 7 P.M. puck drop to try and force a game seven. If victorious, the Otters will travel to Kitchener on Wednesday night to see an end to the first round of OHL playoffs.
Stay Informed:
Keep up-to-date with the latest Erie Otters news by visiting OttersHockey.com, or follow along on social media with the Otters Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
About Rebich Investments:
Rebich Investments takes a “client-first approach” when it comes to serving the financial needs of its clients. Their services cover all areas of wealth management, from investment and retirement planning to risk mitigation strategies and issues surrounding estate planning. Rebich Investments specializes in helping its clients develop a comprehensive, cohesive financial strategy that fits their unique needs and enables them to pursue both short-and long-term goals. The 2024 Erie Otters playoffs are proudly presented by Rebich Investments.
About the Erie Otters:
The Erie Otters are an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team based in Erie, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1996, the Otters have a rich history of excellence both on and off the ice. The team is committed to creating memorable experiences for its fans and contributing to the growth and well-being of the Erie community.
For further information on the Erie Otters and for media inquiries, please contact Shawn Bednard at [email protected].
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