IceDogs hang tough with Steelheads
Aiden Castle netted his ninth of the season Sunday as the Niagara IceDogs dropped a 5-2 decision at Mississauga. Photo by: OHL IMAGES.
The Niagara IceDogs hung with the best team in the Ontario Hockey League for two periods before succumbing 5-2 to the Mississauga Steelheads Sunday afternoon in Mississauga.
“It was a great effort, a lot of positives,” IceDogs coach Billy Burke said. “Some injuries and fatigue caught up with us in the third unfortunately and we weren’t able to put together a full 60 but the guys battled the whole game as hard as they could and for the first two we went toe-to-toe with them.”
Following a scoreless first period that saw Mississauga hold a 17-10 edge in shots, the IceDogs opened the scoring at the 8:24 mark of the second when Aidan Castle netted his ninth of the season on the power play.
The Steelheads quickly responded with goals by Callum Chisholm and Ty Collins just over two minutes apart to take a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes.
Kai Schwindt made it 3-1 early in the third for the Steelheads before Collins and former IceDog Jake Uberti put the game out of reach. Liam Van Loon scored a late short-handed goal for Niagara to conclude the scoring.
The Steelheads outshot the IceDogs 46-23.
Roman Barsan picked up the win for Mississauga while rookie Joey Costanzo made 41 saves and took the loss.
“Joey had a great game for us,” Burke said. “Very difficult assignment for Joey to come in here with the week we’ve had and to play the top team in the league and more than hold his own and give us a chance.
“Our goaltenders are doing a great job. We’re very thrilled with where both are goalies are right now.”
The Steelheads improved to 27-8-1-3 with the win while the IceDogs fell to 10-21-1-1 and now now dropped three straight.
The IceDogs host the Steelheads Tuesday at 7 p.m. As per government lockdown restrictions, 500 fans will be permitted to attend.
Ice cubes: Forward Cameron Peters was forced to leave after the second period and will be evaluated Monday . . . Burke indicated the team would do some video work Monday in preparation for Tuesday’s re-match.
Dear reader. If you liked this story or one of the 3,800 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.
