THREE STARS: Three-Straight Wins Propelled by Team Efforts
Erie, Pennsylvania – After winning both games in the second week of December, the Erie Otters have picked up their third-straight victory.
The Otters were as close to perfect as you can get on the road with a 4-1 victory against the Niagara IceDogs, who previously beat Erie on home ice 5-3. The revenge game of sorts for the Otters would give them consecutive road wins, and to back above .500.
Back at home against the Guelph Storm and just itching for revenge after an 8-0 beat down early in the season, the Otters took down their divisional foe with another 4-1 win, playing yet another near-perfect game.
Here are the players who made this weekend possible for the Otters.
THIRD STAR – SPECIAL TEAMS
It would be an absolute crime to not recognize the incredible efforts done by both special teams units during the Otters back-to-back wins this week – playing nearly perfect in all facets.
After getting punched in the mouth proverbially speaking in Owen Sound, the Otters’ PK rose nearly four percentage points thanks to a perfect 9/9 on the kill against Niagara and Guelph. This perfection also included a shorthanded goal by Carey Terrance to extend his league-lead to four SHGs.
Meanwhile, the Otters’ power play – a top-five unit all season – was operating at 80 percent effective this week with a 4/6 success rate, scoring on 2/3 power plays in both games. The PP is operating at nearly 28 percent as we approach the halfway point of the season.
Hats off to the special teams – difference makers in a tough weekend set.
SECOND STAR – BRETT BRESSETTE
After spearheading both victories this week for the Otters, it is no surprise that star honors goes to Brett Bressette.
Bressette set the tempo and opened the scoring against the Niagara IceDogs exactly seven minutes into the second period and went on to assist the insurance goal to Ondrej Molnar eleven minutes later to help the Otters to a 4-1 win on the road.
Against the Guelph Storm, Bressette first assisted on the game-winner to Martin Misiak before he decided to slam the door shut on the Otters victory with the insurance goal seventeen minutes into the third period.
The overage forward is quickly harboring points – a necessary sign as the new year approaches.
FIRST STAR – BEN GAUDREAU
When you talk about Otters’ victories, you just have to mention Ben Gaudreau’s presence between the sticks, and with two one-goal games he is impossible to forget.
Against the Niagara IceDogs on Thursday, Gaudreau had 21 saves off of 22 shots for the night and held the IceDogs to scoreless first and third periods. Gaudreau came up big, once again, on Saturday against the Guelph Storm in a divisional match up. After scoreless first and second periods with some massive saves to keep the Storm off the board, Gaudreau finished the night with 28 saves off 29 shots.
Gaudreau would finish the weekend with a staggering 1.00 GAA and a .961 SV%. Worthy of OHL Goaltender of the Week honors? Time will tell.
The Otters have two more home games ahead of them before the holiday break and the fans have much to look forward to! On Friday against the North Bay Battalion, fans can enjoy 3-2-1 Friday, with $3 Labatt Blue Lights, $2 hot dogs, and $1 popcorn from the time the doors open until the beginning of the third period. Saturday is the Otters’ Winter Wonderland! Don your best Christmas sweater, ugly or otherwise, and get ready to Jingle Bell Rock the night away! Enjoy appearances from Santa Claus himself before he goes back to the North Pole and that mean old Mister Grinch in the final home game before the holiday break!
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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