IceDogs come close in Sudbury

The Niagara IceDogs turned in their second consecutive solid effort, but this time came up short.

The IceDogs, on the heels of a 6-3 win Friday in Barrie, dropped a 4-2 decision to the Sudbury Wolves in Ontario Hockey League action Friday night in Sudbury.

The IceDogs, 18-35-5-1, still hold down the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference by two points over the Kingston Frontenacs who lost in Saginaw Friday.

The Wolves opened the scoring just over four minutes in when Blake Murray netted his 29th of the season. The IceDogs responded just before the halfway point of the period when Ivan Lodnia netted his 25th of the campaign.

Following a scoreless second period, Lodnia netted a short-handed goal just 23 seconds into the third to give Niagara a 2-1 lead.

The Wolves quickly tied the game just over a minute later on a goal by David Levin and a minute later took a 3-2 lead when Macauley Carson scored. Adam Samuelsson then added an insurance marker into the empty net to round out the scoring.

IceDogs coach Billy Burke was pleased with his team’s performance.

“It was a good game,” he said. “The guys worked hard, we had lots of chances throughout and a good opportunity to tie it with the goalie out.

“Obviously disappointed about a loss but I have no problems with anyone tonight.”

Andrew MacLean faced 30 shots in goal for the IceDogs.

“MacLean was strong again,” Burke said.

The IceDogs are home to the North Bay Battalion Sunday at 2 p.m.

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