IceDogs blank Fronts for first win
The Niagara IceDogs turned in their best overall effort of the season and were rewarded with their first victory, a convincing 4-0 triumph over the Kingston Frontenacs Saturday night at Meridian Centre.
The win came following five losses to start the season, two in overtime and two by one goal.
“Oh my god, it’s such a validation for all the hard work and effort and time we’ve been putting in and grinding through,” IceDogs coach Ryan Kuwabara said. “I told them before the game we’ve had four one-goal games out of the five we’ve played. You guys are trending well. We’ve got points in the last two games and if we can win this one it’s four of the six points available.
“They worked hard, executed and had some fun.”
Unlike previous games, the IceDogs got off to a strong start, the importance of which Kuwabara has been preaching.
“You’re dictating the pace of the game if you’re allowed to get your game plan going and start creating opportunities,” he said.
Following a scoreless first period that saw Niagara hold a 13-6 edge in shots, Niagara opened the scoring six minutes into the second when Gavin Bryant netted a short-handed marker. Eight minutes later Kevin He scored his second of the season before adding another in the third.
He was thrilled to get into the win column.
“I think all the boys are really excited, especially a shutout out as well, a standout performance from (Owen) Flores,” He said. “I think this year everyone is focused and everyone is relying on each other and building positive energy all around.”
He, who netted 21 goals in an impressive rookie campaign last season, is on pace to top that already this year.
“I’m just trying to help the team win, that’s my biggest goal. Just trying to be an impact player,” he said. “I think I’m definitely more confident. I know a lot of guys coming back from last year.”
Kuwabara feels He is a key component for the club this season.
“We have a few go-to guys and when we start rolling he’s going to be a huge piece of that,” Kuwabara said. “If he can score a few and get some other guys to score a few and chip in, that’s going to make it a lot easier for us.”
Evan Klein wrapped up the scoring with his first of the season and first since joining Niagara in a trade with Saginaw before the start of last season. Klein did not score in 54 games last year.
Flores only faced 23 shots but made a handful of standout saves on point blank opportunities.
“I didn’t see those. I closed my eyes,” Kuwabara joked. “He was lights out. He’s a great goalie out there.”
The IceDogs are off until a rare Wednesday home game versus Kitchener. The Meridian Centre is unavailable Thursday as a sold out crowd will be listening to the music as the Doobie Brothers take the stage.
Kuwabara would love to see the club build on the win.
“They’re the guys out there driving the bus. They have to work hard and put the time in and do the things they have to do for us to win. Unfortunately, my time on the ice is over and it’s up to them to do that. With the energy we have in our room it’s a tight-knit group; they’re happy for each other,” he said.
Ice cubes: Ryan VanNetten, William Stewart, Andrew Vermeulen and Chris O’Flaherty did not dress for the IceDogs . . . Maleek McGowan, Gabriel Frasca, Quinton Burns (St. Louis), Jacob Holmes (Dallas) and Linus Hemstrom were scratched for Kingston.
STATS PACK
IceDogs 4 Frontenacs 0
Niagara’s Owen Flores with a shutout and Kevin He with two goals.
Niagara IceDogs: Kevin He 2 (2, 3); Gavin Bryant (2); Evan Klein (1).
Kingston Frontenacs: No scoring.
Game stats: Shots on goal: By Niagara on Mason Vaccari (38), by Kingston on Owen Flores (23); Power plays: Niagara 1/8, Kingston 0/2; Penalty minutes: Niagara 4, Kingston 16.
Attendance: 3,034.
Next up: The IceDogs are back home Wednesday versus the Kitchener Rangers at 7 p.m.
Dear reader. If you liked this story or one of the 5,400 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.
