He does it again for IceDogs
Kevin He scored twice as the Niagara IceDogs defeated Kingston 5-2 Sunday to improve to 2-0 on the season. Photo: OHL IMAGES.
The Niagara IceDogs could not have asked for a better road trip to start off the Ontario Hockey League season.
The IceDogs, who topped Ottawa in their season opener Friday, rallied with four goals in the third period to defeat the Kingston Frontenacs 5-2 Sunday afternoon at the Slush Puppie Palace.
IceDogs coach Ben Boudreau was naturally thrilled with the 2-0 start, which he attributes to the preparation made by the coaching staff and the willingness of the players to put the team first.
“It reinforces the belief and the commitment to the way we’ve won,” Boudreau said. “We’ve had a buy in since Day 1 here with the staff and a commitment from our ownership to bring stability to this organization with the length of (my) contract so setting a culture was our first priority.
“Change is never easy, but we’ve been committing to a certain style of play, which is a team first identity and through two games they have two wins. It’s been very rewarding as a group.”
Boudreau loved the team’s commitment to defence.
“We wanted to make sure we didn’t break. Even when we went down one, we weren’t ready to sacrifice our defence and change our game plan just in order to try to and get some offence. We were patient and we committed to that game plan for six straight periods, for two straight games it was defence first and that’s where we got our offence from.”
Trailing 2-1 after two, the IceDogs exploded with four goals, including a pair by Kevin He 25 seconds apart to put Niagara up 3-2.
“He’s a game breaker. He could find a way to break the game open and that’s just what he does here,” Boudreau said. “When you look at his rookie year and tying the rookie record with Akil Thomas and then last year, you know, 31 goals, he’s doing exactly what he’s always done for the IceDogs and that’s be an impact player.”
Boudreau said He asked for more ice time in the third.
“He wanted to make a difference in the third, he said he wanted more of an opportunity. That’s a sign of a great hockey player when they want the puck on their sticks and the ball in their hands in the crucial moments and they find a way to get it done.”
Alex Assadourian, Andrei Loshko and rookie Max Crete, with his first OHL goal, also scored for Niagara. Loshko also chipped in with a pair of assists.
Owen Flores made 35 saves for his second win in as many starts in goal.
The IceDogs are in Barrie Friday and home to Brampton Sunday at 2 p.m. in their regular season home opener.
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