IceDogs dedicate game to injured goalie
The Niagara IceDogs dedicated their game Thursday night to injured goaltender Tucker Tynan. PHOTO: VIDID EYE PHOTOGRAPHY.
The Niagara IceDogs won one for Tucker Thursday night.
One week after IceDogs goaltender Tucker Tynan was seriously injured in a game and could have lost his life, the IceDogs returned to action for the first time and made a dramatic statement.
The IceDogs scored early and often en route to a resounding 11-3 victory over the Kingston Frontenacs in Ontario Hockey League action at the Meridian Centre.
Before the game started, the IceDogs honoured all those involved in caring for Tynan at centre, including athletic therapist Chris Trivieri, equipment manager Nick Hornby, strength coach Nick Tamburri, as well as defenceman Adrien Beraldo, who assisted by helping remove Tynan’s equipment while he was being attended to. Several other medical personnel were also on hand.
Tynan suffered a severe cut to his leg and could have bled to death were it not for those who attended to him so quickly and efficiently.
IceDogs centre Phil Tomasino set the tone when he scored just 13 seconds into the game and by the 14:48 mark of the period, the IceDogs had built a 5-0 lead.
Niagara didn’t let up in the second, either, scoring just 24 seconds into the middle frame and building an 8-1 lead after 40 minutes.
“It sure felt great,” IceDogs coach Billy Burke said. “We did our pre-scout special teams before the game and then told they guys that’s all the Xs and Os we’re going to need for tonight. There’s some other things we can focus (on).
“I’m just happy we were able to honour the heroes who saved Tucker and the guys came out flying.”
Burke felt it was important the team make a statement with the effort and begin to turn the page.
“It was definitely a trying week you never want to go through, but the silver lining is the best possible scenario has happened,” he said.
The IceDogs had their games last weekend postponed and then reconvened Monday.
“Monday was a real light practice and then we got back into it Tuesday and Wednesday and we thought we might be ready to come out flying today,” Burke said.
Burke indicated the team has been in constant contact with Tynan, who is recovering at home in Chicago.
“Pretty much non-stop. I was talking to Tucker again today,” Burke said. “He saw a specialist in Chicago and wished the guys luck so it was very much a motivating factor for us, it goes without saying.”
Tynan, whose locker is full of his equipment and in the corner of the IceDogs dressing room, is expected to return to Niagara at some point and continue his rehabilitation.
On the ice, Anthony Agostinelli, who went the first 17 games of his OHL career without a goal, scored twice while Cameron Snow also netted the first two of his career. As well, Ryan Campbell picked up an assist for his first OHL point.
“I’m just real happy for those guys,” Burke said. “They’re in and out of the lineup with limited minutes and there are times when you feel the whole world is against you, but they’re great teammates and great players and I’m proud of those guys.”
The IceDogs are now off until they report back for practice Dec. 27.
The win lifted the IceDogs back to the .500 mark at 13-13-4-1.
Ice cubes: Akil Thomas (Canada), Kyen Sopa and Giancarlo Chanton (Switzerland) are away for the World Junior Tournament and did not dress for the IceDogs. Elijah Roberts was also scratched . . . The Frontenacs do not feature a single NHL draft pick . . . Make up dates have been announced for the games postponed last week. The Dec. 12 game versus London will be played Tuesday, Feb. 4 at the Meridian Centre. The Dec. 14 game at Peterborough will be played Sunday, Jan. 19 at Peterborough at 2 p.m. The Dec. 15 game at Ottawa will be played Tuesday, March 10 at Ottawa at 7 p.m. . . IceDogs forward Jackson Dougherty was assessed a five-minute match penalty for slew-footing late in the first period . . . The beginning of the game delayed about 20 minutes due to a fire alarm which went off.
IceDogs 11 Frontenacs 3
BPSN Star of the Game: IceDogs forward Phil Tomasino with two goals and an assist.
Niagara IceDogs: Tomasino 2 (18, 19); Oliver Castleman 2 (12, 13); Jonah DiSimone 2 (4, 5); Anthony Agostinelli 2 (1, 2); Cameron Snow 2 (1, 2); Ivan Lodnia (16).
Kingston Frontenacs: Zayed Wisdom (19); Jordan Frasca (6); Francesco Arcuri (4).
Game stats: Shots on goal: By Niagara on Christian Propp/Ryan Dugas (36), by Kingston on Christian Sbaraglia (40); Power plays: Niagara 1-for-4, Kingston 1-for-3; Penalty minutes: Niagara 13, Kingston 12.
Attendance: 4,786.
Up next: The IceDogs are off for the Christmas break until Saturday, Dec. 28 at Erie. They host the Peterborough Petes New Year’s Eve at 6 p.m. in their next home game.
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
