IceDogs wrap up 2022 with win
Anthony Agostinelli scored three times as the Niagara IceDogs topped the Erie Otters 5-3 Saturday in Erie. Photo by: OHL IMAGES.
The Niagara IceDogs rebounded from a tough loss Friday to defeat the Erie Otters 5-3 in Ontario Hockey League action Saturday night in Erie.
The win improves Niagara’s record to 8-17-4-1 and is the second victory for coach Ryan Kuwabara since he took over for interim coach Jeff Angelidis Dec. 1.
“We are learning to understand what it takes to win day in and day out. Learning to play within our systems and building our culture is going to be huge for us as we move forward,” Kuwabara said.
Anthony Agostinelli paced the IceDogs with three goals, all in the third period, to break a 2-2 tie.
Andrew LeBlanc got the IceDogs on the board in the first before Kaleb Smith and Noah Sedore scored in the second to give Erie a brief 2-1 lead. Daniel Michaud tied the game at 2-2 with a short-handed goal at 12:30.
Agostinelli scored twice in a span of 30 seconds halfway through the third before completing the hat-trick into an empty net at 16:46.
Agostinelli had just one goal in his first 17 games before unloading on the Otters.
“It definitely helps us with depth when you can have multiple threats on the ice. It makes it difficult for other teams to shut us down,” Kuwabara said. “Really happy for Ago. He works so hard on both sides of the puck and for him to get three tonight our group is really happy for him.”
Erie then concluded the scoring when Sam Alfano potted his eighth of the season with 1:20 to play.
Josh Rosenzweig got the start in goal for the IceDogs and turned in a solid effort with 29 saves for the win.
With less than a minute to play, Niagara forward Zakary Lavoie was ejected for a hit on Erie forward Brett Bressette, who was taken off the ice on a stretcher. Lavoie was assessed a major for a check to the head and game misconduct. The play will likely be reviewed by the league for a possible suspension.
The IceDogs are home to the league leading Ottawa 67’s Friday before travelling to Barrie Saturday and North Bay Sunday.
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