He shines in IceDogs loss
Kevin He has been one of the few constant bright lights in an otherwise mostly dark season for the Niagara IceDogs.
The sophomore winger is putting together a memorable campaign in his draft year, leading the team in goals while also taking on more of a leadership role.
He potted his 29th of the season on a penalty shot in the third period as the IceDogs dropped an 8-2 decision to the Ottawa 67’s in Ontario Hockey League action Thursday night at the Meridian Centre.
The IceDogs have now dropped five straight and remain in last place overall with a 16-35-6-1 mark. They trail the Barrie Colts by 12 points for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with 10 game remaining in the regular season.
He was named the 89th ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting in its mid-term rankings last month.
“He’s had a hell of year on a 20th-place team,” IceDogs coach Ben Boudreau said. “You put him on a team that’s ready to compete, it doesn’t matter any of them that are in the playoffs now, and his stock level goes through the roof.
“He is a bright spot. Although there is negativity clouding this team at times, he is one of those bright spots you want to shine a light on because the kid deserves so much attention for what he’s been able to do.”
Boudreau has been particularly impressed with He’s attitude.
“He’s had the same approach, day in and day out,” Boudreau said. “Hasn’t missed any games. The kid is an absolute warrior and he’s going to be an unbelievable professional. His character is going to carry him further in life than his talent ever will. It’s somebody you want to fight for as a coach, both on the ice and off the ice.”
Boudreau feels by going through tough times in his first two seasons, He will become an even better leader down the road.
“He’s going to be a future leader on this team, no question, if he isn’t already. He’s going to help the next young crop of guys when we’re having success as group and when we’re ready to compete when everybody starts to mature, he’s going to help our young guys understand what it takes to get through the dark days.”
The lopsided defeat continued a difficult stretch for the IceDogs who were embarrassed 8-1 Saturday by Kingston after which Boudreau made a direct and blunt assessment of his team to the media.
“Obviously writing an article is truthful,” Boudreau said. “It sucks to lose, it sucks when you can’t keep your head up and you don’t have belief, but you don’t give up. You try to find ways to keep going.”
Boudreau appreciated the club’s effort Thursday, if not the execution.
“As negative as you can be or criticize the team, which I was guilty of this past weekend, we also have to celebrate the bright spots and do have a lot of them,” he said. “I’m proud of that effort level tonight because they did not give up when they easily could have.”
Boudreau said while losing takes in toll on a coach, attending St. Catharines mayor Mat Siscoe’s state of the city address early this week shone different light on the situation for him.
“He started his address by acknowledging the IceDogs and after reading the articles . . . understanding the struggles but still continuing to support us,” Boudreau said. “It meant the absolute world to me that it means a lot to people in this community and understanding what the young talent is and where we’re at right now is not where we’re going to end. It’s where we’re starting and it’s not an easy road from A to B but when you have recognition from somebody as important as the mayor . . . it makes you want to get up and go to work.”
Ice cubes: Michael Podolioukh and Andrew Wycisk did not dress for the IceDogs . . . Jaeden Nelson, Josh Brady, Kaleb Dietsch, Nic Whitehead, Tumas Uronen, Chase Yanni and Carlie Hilton were scratched for the 67’s . . . The 67’s feature seven NHL draft picks on their roster . . . St. Catharines native Derek Smyth scored his first goal of the season for Ottawa.
STATS PACK
67’s 8 IceDogs 2
Ottawa’s Cooper Foster and Niagara’s Kevin He.
Niagara IceDogs: Kevin He (29); Ryan Roobroeck (23).
Ottawa 67’s: Cooper Foster 2 (15, 16); Luca Pinelli (41); Braeden Kressler (24); Henry Mews (11); Matthew Mayich (5); Frankie Marrelli (5); Derek Smyth (1).
Game stats: Shots on goal: By Niagara on Ian Michelone (26), by Ottawa on Owen Flores/Charlie Roberston (35); Power plays: Niagara 0/2, Ottawa 0/1; Penalty minutes: Niagara 15, Ottawa 17.
Attendance: 4,010.
Next up: The IceDogs visit the Barrie Colts Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and North Bay Sunday at 2 p.m.
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