IceDogs lose in OT; River Lions on brink of elimination
Stephen Dhillon made 47 for the Niagara IceDogs in a losing cause Saturday in Hamilton. Photo by: OHL IMAGES.
The Niagara IceDogs once again battled back from an early deficit only to lose in overtime to the Hamilton Bulldogs Saturday at FirstOntario Centre.
Ryan Moore scored just over six minutes into overtime to give the Bulldogs a 3-2 victory and a 2-0 lead in the Ontario Hockey League best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal playoff series.
Moore’s goal came after a wild scramble where it appeared there was interference with IceDogs goaltender Stephen Dhillon. There was no call on the play.
The IceDogs dropped the opener 5-4 in OT after rallying from a 4-0 deficit.
The Bulldogs again jumped out to an early lead when Matthew Strome scored just over a minute into the game. The IceDogs responded with a goal six minutes later by Sam Miletic to tie the game 1-1 after one.
Brandon Saigeon’s eighth of the playoffs gave Hamilton a 2-1 lead after two periods.
Matthew Philip scored early in the third to tie the game 2-2.
Dhillon once again kept the IceDogs in the game with several key saves. Overall, Dhillon was credited with 47 saves.
There was a steady parade to the penalty box, with Hamilton being assessed 20 minutes on 10 infractions and the IceDogs 16 minutes on eight infractions.
Both teams took advantage, scoring both their goals in regulation on the power play.
Game 3 is Monday at the Meridian Centre. The IceDogs will collect donations at the game in support of the Humboldt Broncos hockey club that was involved in a tragic highway mishap that claimed the lives of several members of the team. Large banners awaiting signatures and well-wishes will be sent to the Saskatchewan community to show support.
River Lions on the brink of elimination
The Niagara River Lions find themselves down 2-0 to the London Lightning following a 124-98 loss at London Saturday.
The River Lions trail the National Basketball League of Canada best-of-three playoff series 2-0 and need a win in Game 3 Tuesday at the Meridian Centre to keep their season alive.
Game 4, if necessary, is Friday in St. Catharines.
The River Lions got off to a good start, leading 33-26 after one quarter and 47-44 at the half. The Lightning took over in the second half, outscoring the River Lions 80-51.
London held a 69-55 edge in rebounds and shot 47 per cent from the floor, compared to 36 per cent for Niagara.
Jaylon Tate paced the River Lions with 25 points and Guillaume Boucard added 22. Sam Muldrow, Dwayne Smith and Devonta Pollard added 10 each.
Garrett Williamson scored 26 and Royce White 24 for the Lightning.
