IceDogs shock Rangers (updated with quotes)

Marcus Vandenberg made 44 saves to lead the Niagara IceDogs to a 4-3 overtime upset victory over the Kitchener Rangers Friday night in Kitchener. Photo by: TIFFANY LUKE

The Niagara IceDogs pulled off a huge upset Friday night, rallying to defeat the Kitchener Rangers 4-3 in overtime in Ontario Hockey League action at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.

The IceDogs, who dressed only 10 forwards and five defenceman with seven regulars out of the lineup, came into the game 26 points in arrears of the high-flying Rangers who lead the OHL with 39 points.

“I am very proud of the players. Feels great to win, but more so than that feeling right after the game I think it’s important to understand what it takes to get that feeling,” IceDogs coach Ben Boudreau said. “The feeling is great, but the takeaways are more important.”

Matthew Sop gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead with a late power-play goal in the first period.

Kevin He (11) and Mike Levin (7) then scored to give the IceDogs a 2-1 lead after two periods.

Lavoie increased Niagara’s lead to 3-1 with a power-play goal early in the third before the Rangers rallied with goals by Carson Rehkopf and Filip Mesar, both with the man advantage, to send the game into overtime.

Lavoie netted the winner at the 2:17 mark of the extra period.

“The one thing with this team that always continue to impress me is the inability to give up,” Boudreau added. “These players are resilient and they played for each other. They bought into a game plan and found a way to execute.”

The win put an end to a six-game losing streak for the IceDogs who last won Nov. 16 versus Barrie.

Niagara captain Zak Lavoie scored two goals, including the overtime winner and Marcus Vandenberg makes 44 saves.

The IceDogs, 5-15-4-1, host the Peterborough Petes Sunday at 2 p.m. 

Dear reader. If you liked this story or one of the 5,600 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.