IceDogs rally comes up short
Rookie Juan Copeland scored his sixth goal of the season Friday as the Niagara IceDogs dropped a 3-2 decision at Mississauga. File photo: OHL IMAGES.
The Niagara IceDogs followed up one of their best overall efforts of the season with another solid outing Friday in Mississauga.
Just 24 hours after knocking off the red-hot North Bay Battalion, the IceDogs came up just short, dropping a 3-2 decision to the top-ranked Steelheads in Ontario Hockey League.
“The guys played a strong game and never backed down,” Niagara coach Billy Burke said. “We played smart and together and had the goalie out pushing to tie late. Another great start from (Joey) Costanzo.
“I’m proud of all the guys.”
The IceDogs were once again without Cameron Peters, Pano Fimis, Declan Waddick, Rodwin Dionicio and starting goaltender Josh Rosenzweig, all out with injuries. Liam VanLoon is serving the sixth game of a 10-game suspension and is eligible to return March 9. Forward Brice Cooke is serving the second game of a four-game suspension for a check to the head in Oshawa last week. He is eligible to return March. 4.
Ty Collins gave Mississauga a 1-0 lead in the first period with his 14th of the season. Owen Beck and Luca DelBelBelluz added goals in the second to increase Mississauga’s lead to 3-0.
The IceDogs began their comeback when Juan Copeland scored his sixth of the season at the 11:50 mark of the second. Danil Gushchin potted his 32nd with about seven minutes to go in the game to narrow the gap to 3-2.
Costanzo made 41 saves while Roman Basran kicked out 19 to pick up the win.
The IceDogs are back in action at home Sunday at 2 p.m. versus the Hamilton Bulldogs.
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