IceDogs notebook: Lodnia returns; Tomasino, Thomas, Enright receive invites
The Niagara IceDogs are getting a much-needed boost up front with the return of over-age forward Ivan Lodnia from the Minnesota Wild.
Lodnia, 20, signed an entry-level contract with the Wild in December of 2017, just six months shy of being drafted. He was acquired by Niagara from the Erie Otters in August, 2018. He played a key role for the IceDogs last season, particularly in the post-season where he led Niagara with 14 points. Following the end of the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, Lodnia joined the Iowa Wild, Minnesota Wild’s American Hockey League affiliate.
Lodnia began this season on Iowa’s roster, but has yet to play.
“We are thrilled to be adding Ivan back to Niagara,” IceDogs general manager Joey Burke said. “This addition gives us an elite, premier over-age player in the league. We can’t wait to continue working with Minnesota on Ivan’s development.”
Lodnia’s return gives the IceDogs four over-age players along with Oliver Castleman, Elijah Roberts and Drew Hunter. Teams are permitted to carry as many over-agers as they chose until November when the number drops to four. Only three are permitted to dress per game.
Thomas, Tomasino invited to Canada/Russia series
IceDogs captain Akil Thomas and alternate captain Phil Tomasino have been named to the rosters of Team OHL in both games in the Ontario leg of the 2019 CIBC Canada Russia Series.
Thomas was invited to participate in the 2018 CIBC Canada Russia Series, but was unable to play due to injury.
In 16 years of competition against the Russian National Junior Team, the OHL has a record of 25-5-1, following a 3-1 win in Sarnia and a 4-0 loss in Oshawa.
Team OHL will compete against the Russian National Junior Team in Game 3 in Kitchener on Thursday, Nov.7 , and in Game 4 on Monday, Nov. 11, in London.
Enright invited to U17 camp
Niagara IceDogs rookie defenceman Isaac Enright is among 66 players invited for the 2019 World U17 Hockey Challenge in Medicine Hat and Swift Current from Nov. 2-9.
Enright was invited to Canada’s U17 summer camp and had an impressive showing.
In nine games played with the IceDogs so far, Enright has one assist while playing top pairing minutes with over-age defenceman Elijah Roberts.
The rosters for the three Canadian teams (black, white, and red) have not yet been announced.
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