THREE STARS: Workin’ Overtime at Home
Erie, Pennsylvania – Erie fans were long-awaiting the return of Otters Hockey to home ice, and they were treated to extra hockey in both games of the weekend home stand
Erie started their week on Friday, when they clawed out a 4-3 OT victory against the Eastern Conference’s #1 Sudbury Wolves. After being down 3-1 in the third, the Otters went on to score three-unanswered goals to seal their come-from-behind win against a dangerous Sudbury team. In their final game of the weekend against the Flint Firebirds, the Otters would once again find themselves in an overtime battle, this time on the losing side of a 4-3 decision. With the weekend’s results, Erie has found points in five-straight games and continues its climb of the Western Conference standings.
Here are the players who made this weekend possible for the Otters.
THIRD STAR: CAREY TERRANCE
What else is new? Carey Terrance had a three-point weekend with two goals and one assist as he continues his team-leading scoring efforts.
Starting on Friday against the Wolves, Terrance set up Kaleb Smith to crack the game open ten minutes in. In the third period, the alternate captain found the back of the net himself for the 12th time this season to send the Otters into overtime. Terrance would strike gold again on Saturday against the Firebirds to help the Otters fight their way into overtime for the second night in a row. With 13 goals on the season, Terrance is showing no signs of slowing down – being held pointless just three times this year.
Carey Terrance’s offensive firepower and crafty playmaking has made him a force to be reckoned with on the ice. As the Otters cross the quarter-way mark of the season, look for the forward to truly take over the game for Erie’s offense.
SECOND STAR: SPENCER SOVA
Not all heroes wear capes – some wear a C on their jersey.
Spencer Sova was certainly a name to be remembered on Friday night’s overtime victory against the Sudbury Wolves. Not even a minute into overtime (or is it Sovatime?), Sova put the game to bed with an assist from Bruce McDonald. With the OT winner, Erie would earn their second home win of the season, and then fourth-straight win. Not a bad night for ol’ Cap. On Saturday against the Flint Firebirds, Sova would team up with Malcolm Spence to feed Sam Alfano for his eighth goal of the season.
The contributions of Sova always go beyond the scoresheet, but any time you can get scoring from your Captain, it leads the way for the rest of the team to follow.
FIRST STAR: BEN GAUDREAU
Hard to be surprised, but harder to believe the effort and saves put in over nearly 130 minutes of game play this weekend by the netminder. After two big overtime games, pressure may as well be Ben Gaudreau’s middle name. With a combined 61 saves out of 68 total shots on the weekend, the Otters’ man between the sticks has been rock solid.
Gaudreau had 32 saves off of 35 shots in the Otters’ OT victory against the Sudbury Wolves. After allowing one goal in the first period and two in the second, Gaudreau was a brick wall through the final two frames of the night. On Saturday against the Firebirds, Gaudreau had 29 saves on the night out of 33 shots to see the Otters into overtime.
There is a measuring stick from where the Otters started to where the Otters are now, and the catalyst for the change in results is pointed back to Benny G.
In their longest break of the season yet, Erie won’t hit the ice again until Friday. With the final two games of their four-game home stand this weekend, the Otters will host the Saginaw Spirit first and the rival London Knights on Saturday.
Along with hosting the Saginaw Spirit on Friday, it will also be the second-annual Children’s Grief Awareness Night, where the Otters will partner with Highmark Caring Place to honor those who are grieving in our community and all-around the world. Wearing specialty-made Children’s Grief Awareness Day and Highmark Caring Place themed jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit the Highmark Caring Place postgame. The Otters will take the ice for a 7 PM puck drop, and fans can also enjoy 3-2-1 Friday, with $3 Labatt Blue Light drafts, $2 hot dogs, and $1 popcorns until the start of the third period.
Saturday is Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Night Rock against the London Knights! The first 1500 fans in attendance will get the long-awaited “gloves off” Owain Johnston bobble head (pres. By Rebich investments). Fans can participate in the third-annual Charity Sock toss (benefitting Community Shelter Services) in the first intermission by bringing new, packaged socks to help those in need during the winter months!
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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