IceDogs fall to Battalion
Alex Assadourian collected two assists as the Niagara IceDogs dropped a 4-3 decision at North Bay Thursday. Photo: OHL IMAGES.
The Niagara IceDogs lost their second game in as many nights, dropping a 4-3 decision to the North Bay Battalion in Ontario Hockey League action Thursday in North Bay.
“It was a close game,” IceDogs coach Ben Boudreau said. “I thought both teams played pretty desperate. They won the first period, we won the second period and they outscored us by one in the third period.
Boudreau said the difference came down to special teams.
“We didn’t score on our power play and they got two,” Boudreau said. “We found a way to score three five-on-five. They only scored two, but special teams, we didn’t win it tonight.
“I don’t question anybody’s effort level but our execution can be argued. I don’t think we executed at times the best but when you have special teams and you execute and win your special teams you’re going to give yourself a chance to win. I thought we lost that battle on both fronts tonight.”
Rookie Matthew Humphries made the start in goal after two strong starts by Hayden Jeffery and took the loss with 28 saves.
Boudreau said overage goaltender Owen Flores practised with the team this week and could be back soon.
“I would expect him to return imminently,” Boudreau said. “We need him. Sometimes you don’t know what you have until it’s gone, and then all of a sudden you lose both your starting goalies and we’ve got one win in almost a month-and-a-half. Flores might be the MVP of our season and we will welcome him back.”
Captain Kevin He did not dress but Boudreau said his injury is not considered serious and he is listed as day to day.
Andrei Loshko, Ryan Roobroeck and Braidy Wassilyn scored for the IceDogs.
Jacob Therrien, Jacob LeBlanc, Ihnat Pazii and Zach Wigle replied for North Bay.
The IceDogs are home to Kingston Sunday at 2 p.m. and Barrie Tuesday at 7 p.m.
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