THREE STARS: Season Scoring Debuts Earn Star Honors
Erie, Pennsylvania – A tough introduction to divisional games awaited the Erie Otters in their second weekend of the 2023-24 Ontario Hockey League season.
Taking on two highly-regarded teams in Guelph and Owen Sound, the Otters would be in for a pair of fights. Unfortunately, Erie would suffer an 8-0 crushing by Guelph at the Sleeman Centre on Friday night, as the team’s woes in the Storm City continue. On Saturday against Owen Sound, Erie would strike first, and battle all the way back from a 3-1 deficit to find a third period 5-4 lead, but would fall in overtime at the Bayshore Community Centre.
Despite the two losses, Erie would grab a point in the standings, and show improvements as the weekend went along. We take a look at three players who made a difference in the games.
THIRD STAR – MALCOLM SPENCE:
Spence’s sophomore season finally has points attributed to it, as the second-year forward was able to contribute in multiple ways in Owen Sound.
Asked to step up as a centerman on Saturday night, Spence delivered a solid 10/19 faceoffs won alongside a multipoint night. The points included his first goal of the season as the final (& tying) goal of the second period, and assisting on the Sam Alfano goal that would tie the game up at 4-4.
While Erie continues to search for their first win of the season, being able to activate a known-to-be-lethal scorer like Malcolm Spence will certainly help get the team in a winning mentality sooner than later.
SECOND STAR – CAREY TERRANCE:
A relatively quiet start to the season for Carey Terrance was a surprise in the first three games, where the third-year Otter had picked up just an assist for points. All of that would change on Saturday night in Owen Sound, where the Anaheim Ducks prospect would quadruple his to-date season point production with a three point night.
Terrance would set-up the captain Spencer Sova for the game’s opening goal, provide another assist to his friend and fellow first-round pick Malcolm Spence for the final goal of the second period, and officially record his first goal of the season in a major way – the then-leading goal for Erie to go ahead 5-4.
The goal from Terrance would’ve been his first game-winner of the season if the game finished out with an Otters lead, but now the forward will work to continue gaining points and putting his team in winning positions. Sometimes it only takes one goal to get the personal offense kickstarted.
FIRST STAR – ALEXIS DAVIAULT:
How do you bounce back from a tough game? By playing a great game.
Alexis Daviault was a force for the Erie Otters offensively on Saturday in Owen Sound, taking four points out of the night’s five goals. Assisting on the Otters’ opening goal, Daviault kickstarted the team’s offense after allowing three-unanswered goals by scoring his first of the season just past the game’s halfway mark. Daviault would add another pair of assists on the first two goals of the third period enroute to Erie finding a point in an overtime loss.
Offense isn’t the bread-and-butter of the second-year defensemen, but being able to contribute on the scoresheet with goals and assists – especially a near-handful – is a welcome and needed effort.
The Otters will have no time for rest heading into a trio of games this weekend, starting off Thursday night at Niagara. Erie will make its first trip home since September 30 on Saturday night for the Magnet Schedule Giveaway (pres. by Harrell Automotive) to take on the Windsor Spitfires. The first Sunday game of the season is also Erie’s final trip to the Paramount Fine Foods Centre, as Erie plays game three of four in the season series against two-time OHL Goaltender of the Week Ryerson Leenders and the Mississauga Steelheads.
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 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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