IceDogs split exhibition series
Tucker Tynan made 28 saves for the shutout as the Niagara IceDogs blanked the Oshawa Generals 2-0 in Ontario Hockey League exhibition action Saturday. Photo by: VIVID EYE PHOTOGRAPHY.
The Niagara IceDogs head coach Billy Burke liked much of what he saw as the Niagara IceDogs split their first two exhibition games of the season.
The IceDogs dropped a 4-3 shootout decision in Oshawa Friday, followed up with a 2-0 win over the Generals at home Saturday before a capacity crowd of 1,000 fans as permitted by COVID restrictions.
“Very impressed with what we saw,” Burke said. “The first game I thought we came out like we were shot out of a cannon. Everyone was very excited. Obviously, it was sloppy in stretches and that’s expected. There were definitely some nerves that were noticeable from everybody, returning guys and young guys. It was the first real game in so long. It was good just to kind of get our feet wet.
“I thought we were very competitive. We never trailed in that game. There were a ton of positives to take from that one.”
Rookie Brice Cooke scored twice for the IceDogs while Aidan Castle, acquired from the Generals earlier in the week, added the third goal.
Rookie Joey Costanzo kicked out 14 of 15 shots in goal for Niagara while Josh Rosenzweig made 12 saves on 14 shots.
Burke said the message before Saturday’s game was to build on the positives from Friday’s effort.
“For the most part I thought we did,” Burke said. “Obviously, again there were some sloppy stretches and some things we definitely need to continue to clean up and work on.”
Tucker Tynan retuned to the net for the first time since incurring a serious leg injury in December of 2019 and kicked out 28 shots for the shutout.
“You just have that confidence in the net with Tucker that if there’s a breakdown, he’s going to be there,” Burke said. “He was in control every time.
“He really looked incredibly comfortable and very inspiring.”
Cam Snow had a goal and an assist for the IceDogs while rookie import defenceman Rodwin Dionicio added the other goal and was among the best players on the ice.
“Since his first practice he has really opened a lot of eyes,” Burke said of the Swiss-born rearguard. “Very smart, hard nosed, two-way defenceman with good offence with a nice shot.
“He’s been a tremendous surprise.”
The IceDogs drafted the 6-foot-2 blue-liner after watching him on video.
“We watched him play Team Canada in the under-18 championships as an 04 in an 03 tournament and thought he looked great,” Burke said. “On top of just his physicality, he has a great hockey IQ and a great skill set. He’s going to be a big part of this team for years to come.”
Ice cubes: Forward Cam Butler remains at development camp with the Detroit Red Wings while Jake Uberti and Landon Cato have returned . . . Import forward Alex Graham practised with the IceDogs for the first time Monday . . . The IceDogs are in Guelph Friday and home to the Storm Saturday as exhibition play continues.
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