ICE DOGS SWEEP THE WEEKEND

A close eye was kept on the Ice Dogs this weekend with three key divisional match-ups, two against Barrie and one in Sudbury.   A combination of quality defense and rock solid goaltending paced the Ice Dogs to a weekend sweep. The Ice Dogs would end the weekend just one point back of division leading Brampton and two points back of conference leading Ottawa.  

THURSDAY JANUARY 12TH NIAGARA 2 BARRIE 1
The Ice Dogs used a 24-5 shots on goal  barrage in the third period to finally oust the Barrie Colts with a Freddie Hamilton goal.  Along with the 24 shots, the Ice Dogs also clanged 3 goal posts.  After rookie sensation Aaron Ekblad got the Colts going with a power play goal in the 1st.  The Colts would hold the lead until late in the 2nd period when Andrew Aggozino would score on a wonderful short handed individual effort.  Hamilton's goal came a little more than 8 minutes into the third period, as Niagara fired 48 shots at first star Alex Fotinos.

Highlights are here:

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FRIDAY JANUARY 14TH ICE DOGS 5 SUDBURY 2
Freddie Hamilton would lead the way with 2 goals while singles were picked up by Andrew Aggozino, Tom Kuhnhackl and Ryan Strome as the Ice Dogs broke open a 2-2 tie in the 2nd period to best the Sudbury Wolves.  Chris Festarini picked up the win in net facing 20 shots.  The game took on a nasty tone in the 2nd period as Sudbury forward Brody Silk flattened Strome with a straight right after a scuffle in front of the net. Dougie Hamilton was + 5 on the night.

SATURDAY JANUARY 15TH ICE DOGS 4 COLTS 1
Singles from Alex Friesen, Myles Doan, Dougie Hamilton and Tom Kuhnhackl paced the Ice Dogs to a business like 4-1 victory over the Colts.  Mark Visentin faced just 21 shots in the victory. The victory completed a home and home sweep for the Ice Dogs and put the season series at 3-2 in favour of Niagara.  The Ice Dogs have now won five in a row and nine out of their last 10 games.

THE UPCOMING WEEK
Friday January 21st Ice Dogs at Erie- last match up 7-2 Niagara
Saturday January 22nd Wolves at Ice Dogs- last match up 5-2 Niagara
Sunday January 23rd- Last match up 5-2 Niagara

NOTES:
- Ryan Strome missed the last half of Friday's game after being punched by Silk, but returned on Saturday

- Freddie Hamilton had 3 goals in three game on the weekend.

- Tom Kuhnhackl had 2 goals in three games including this first even strength goal as an Ice Dog

- Jesse Graham was ranked #119 in the latest Central Scouting rankings while Joel Wigle was at #182

We will have the live call of both the Sudbury game on Saturday night starting at 7pm then be ready to go for a quick turn around for Sunday's game versus Peterborough starting at 2pm.  All the action will be on TV Cogeco and the OHL Action Pack.

Steve Clark
www.twitter.com/SteveClarkMedia