Doggonit! IceDogs Lose a Heartbreaker

The IceDogs entered action without several key players including sniper Brendan Perlini and Captain Luke Mercer. 

The boys had the lead in the third but Ottawa rallied late to stun Niagara 3-2.  It was a tight game and not as chippy as I expected given their volatile history.  It wasn’t the most exciting game but there were some great saves and a couple of nice goals.   

IceDog goaltender Blake Richard played a solid game considering his lack of OHL experience and the many times he was run-over by the opposition.  The ‘67s took several penalties that should have cost them the game but the young pups couldn’t capitalize going 2/8 on the powerplay.  Overall, I believe the ‘Dogs played well enough to win.

It was St. Catharines Blackhawks Heritage Night in the Jack.  35 former players were honoured before the game.  The IceDogs wore Blackhawk jerseys as tribute to the gentlemen.

Ceremonial Puck Drop
 

Kyle’s Picks 

Top Dog – Defenseman Aaron Haydon for his goal, aggressiveness, protection of teammates and solid defensive play both 5-on-5 and on the Penalty Kill (PK).

Under Dog – Rookie centre Hayden McCool for his goal and solid two-way play.

Junkyard Dog – Centre Mitchell Fitzmorris for some offensive chances, being hard on the forecheck and blocking shots.


This week, I’ll cover the IceDogs' game against the Kitchener Rangers on Saturday, February 1 at 7:00 p.m.  Niagara enters the contest in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

 






My prediction: A close VICTORY for the IceDogs

Until next week,
Go Dogs Go!  

Welcome… to Dogs on Ice!

This is my first blog and I am excited to share it with you.  The focus will be on a weekly Niagara IceDog home game for the remainder of the season as they battle to make the 2014 playoffs.

You can expect a brief recap of the game along with my thoughts on how the ‘Dogs played.  I will provide an update on their Eastern Conference standing and a prediction for the upcoming game I will be attending at "The Jack" in St. Catharines. 

Additionally, I will honour IceDog players with a weekly award by picking three of them based on their effort in different categories.   This will be called 'Kyle’s Picks'.  The three awards will be:

The Top Dog;       



The Under Dog; and


The Junkyard Dog.




The Top Dog Award will go to the most valuable player of the game.  The Under Dog Award will go to the player who isn't a top star but makes a significant contribution to the team.  Finally, the Junkyard Dog Award will go to the hardest working player of the game.

With the IceDogs currently sitting in a tie for seventh place and only 22 games remaining on the schedule, it is sure to be a dog fight right to the end.  

This week, I will be covering the 'Dogs game against the Ottawa '67s on Saturday, January 25 at 7:00 p.m.








My prediction:  A close VICTORY for the Niagara IceDogs.     

Until next week,
Go Dogs Go!