The IceDogs welcomed the Sudbury Wolves back to The Jack for a Sunday afternoon rematch. The matchup featured a Sudbury team clinging to second place and a Niagara team one point out of the eighth and final playoff spot.
The hostility between the
clubs revealed itself early in the form of a fistfight between Cody Caron and Nathan Cull. Niagara drew first blood with a
goal from rookie Matt Gillard. The team
added to their lead before the end of the first period with a goal from rookie Graham
Knott.
With Niagara carrying a 2-1 lead
into the third period, the boys suffered a huge defensive collapse resulting in
three Sudbury goals in just over a minute to take a 4-3 lead and silence the
home fans. The wolves added a fifth and
final goal to seal the deal and send the Niagara faithful home in shock.Overall, the ‘Dogs played a solid game and certainly had a chance to get the win but once again, their youth and inexperience proved costly.
Kyle’s Picks
Top Dog – Defenseman Vince Dunn for his nifty playmaking and defensive play.
Under Dog – Forward rookies Matt Gillard and Graham Knott for their goals.
Junkyard Dog – Forward Eric Ming for his checking, penalty killing and goal.
This week I’ll cover the game against the North Bay Battalion on Saturday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m. Niagara enters play in ninth place in the Eastern Conference.
My Prediction: A DEFEAT of Niagara
Until next week,
Go Dogs Go!
