IceDogs split weekend set
Charlie Robertson kicked out 39 shots as the Niagara IceDogs topped Sarnia 4-3 Friday. The IceDogs also dropped a 2-1 decision at Windsor Saturday. File photo: BILL POTRECZ
The Niagara IceDogs squared off versus the Windsor Spitfires Saturday night in what turned out to be a battle of goaltenders between the top two teams in the Ontario Hockey League.
Former IceDog Joey Costanzo came back to haunt his former club, kicking out 32 shots as the Spitfires emerged with a 2-1 victory.
Niagara’s Owen Flores was also outstanding at the other end, making 37 saves as he took his first loss of the season after six straight wins.
“It was definitely a goaltending battle,” IceDogs coach Ben Boudreau said. “Owen Flores stood on his head on a few absolutely 10-bell opportunities and same thing on the other end. Both goalies, they were just absolutely incredible.
“Very tough to solve, obviously. We didn’t score in a five-on-five against them when we had some really good opportunities and we made it really tough for them too.”
The IceDogs came into the game with a 9-2 record, good enough to lead the Eastern Conference while the Spitfires lead the Western Conference with a 9-1 mark.
“I don’t know how often this is going to happen, just because you only play Windsor once and we were both at the top of our game early and both goalies were undefeated going into tonight’s game,” Boudreau said. “Pretty incredible story to be honest with you with a lot of build up and I thought it really delivered. Both teams were incredible.”
The Spitfires gabbed a 1-0 lead in the first period when A.J. Spleeny scored on the power play.
Sean Doherty replied for the IceDogs in the second with a power-play goal of his own to tie the game at 1-1 before Jack Nesbitt fired the winner early in the third.
“No shortage of chances, but just a really exciting game,” Boudreau said. “We only got one power play and I think we’re working hard and deserving a few more calls. I’m not criticizing the refs by any means but it gets difficult when this is the 11th out of 12 games where we’ve had to kill more times then we’ve had an offensive opportunity on the power play. A little bit of a crazy stat.”
The IceDogs were coming off a 4-3 win Friday in Sarnia that saw Charlie Robertson turn back 39 shots and be named first star of the game.
“It feels good for him, that’s why I feel good because I’m sure he understands how much a contribution he made towards that win,” Boudreau said. “Even though he had two wins before, I think they were high scoring games. He really put together his first full 60 minute game and was the biggest difference. He was a star for us last night so it’s good knowing that you have that one-two combination on any given night that can give yourself a chance to win.”
Andrei Loshko, Noah Van Vliet, Ryan Roobroeck and Andrew Wycisk scored for Niagara.
Robertson was shaken up on the last play of the game and did not dress Saturday. St. Catharines Falcons starter Hayden Jeffery acted as back up.
“He’s to be evaluated at home, no idea where it’s going or anything like that,” Boudreau said.
The IceDogs travel to Peterborough Tuesday for a game against a struggling Petes squad that is 0-9-1-1 to start the season.
“I am definitely more nervous for the game against Peterborough than I would be against Oshawa or a Windsor or Sarnia that were all top 10 teams because motivation is an absolute killer,” Boudreau said.
The IceDogs will be without rookie centre Braidy Wassilyn for the next six games. Wassilyn has been selected to the 2024 U17 World Challenge Nov. 3-9 in Sarnia.
Dear reader. If you liked this story or one of the 6,400 other stories found on our website, please consider hitting the Support Us button on the right-hand side of our home page and making a PayPal contribution to our website. Your support would be much appreciated. If you are a business owner, please consider advertising on our site. Our rates are reasonable and we provide plenty of exposure for your business. Contact bpotrecz@outlook.com for more information.
