IceDogs top Spitfires in OT
The Niagara IceDogs capped off a good week with an exciting 3-2 overtime victory over the Windsor Spitfires in Ontario Hockey League action Saturday at home.
Combined with a 6-5 overtime loss at Peterborough earlier in the week, the IceDogs managed three of four points against two of the top teams in the league.
“We played a hard game against a great Windsor team,” IceDogs coach Billy Burke said. “Right from the morning skate, the guys had a good focus about them. Before the game there was the right energy and they were saying the right things and then they backed them up with their play.
“We had a game plan and the guys stuck to it and battled so hard. I’m so happy for them.”
The IceDogs are now 7-11-3-1 and in third place in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference.
Will Cuylle opened the scoring for the Spitfires early in the first before newcomer Adrian Beraldo netted his first goal of the IceDogs in his Niagara home debut.
“He’s been such a calming influence for us,” Burke said. “It’s obvious he’s been in the OHL for a couple of years. He’s tough, he’s composed, he has a great shot, good hands.
“He’s been a great addition. It feels like he’s been here all year.”
Following a scoreless second period, Andrew Bruder gave Niagara a 2-1 lead with his third goal of the season before the Spitfires tied the game at the 19:28 mark of the third on the power play and with goaltender Kari Piiroinen on the bench for the extra attacker.
The IceDogs then won it in OT when Ivan Lodnia scored with just two seconds remaining in the five-minute extra period.
Tyler Tucker made 24 saves in net for the win.
The IceDogs are home to Erie Thursday and in Barrie and North Bay this weekend.
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