The top ranked Kitchener Rangers proved to be too much for the IceDogs on Thursday night falling 5-3 at the Gatorade Garden City Complex. The 2008 Memorial Cup hosts came into the contest as the top team in the OHL with 65 points and extended their unbeaten streak.
The Rangers jumped out to an early two goal lead in the first period when OHL scoring leader Justin Azevedo scored at the 3:27. Scott Tregunna would extend the lead to two on a power play goal, his second point of the period.
The second period proved to be much like the first, with the Rangers picking up two goals within two minutes to push the lead to 4-0. Even though the IceDogs out shot the Rangers in the second period 11-5 Rangers goaltender Josh Unice preserved the shutout going into the second intermission.
IceDogs forward Jordan Foreman brought the sellout crowd of 3,145 to their feet on his shorthanded goal at 1:47 of the third period. Foreman would add an assist on Michael Swift's 13th goal of the season to bring the ‘Dogs to within two goals. However the comeback fell short as Kitchener's Nazen Kadri scored to restore the two goal lead at the 8:46 mark of the third period. Foreman would add his second goal with under 5 minutes to play but it proved to be too little too late.
The crowd of 3,145 was the second consecutive sellout for the IceDogs and the fourth capacity crowd of the season. Prior to the game IceDogs Governor Bill Burke and Bob Gale from Gales Fuels presented both Community Care St. Catharines and Project Share Niagara with a cheque for $7,500. Proceeds were raised from hot dogs and Pepsi sales, the proceeds from a silent action of marcel Dionne items, and a donation from Bob Gale during last Sunday's game against the Sudbury Wolves.
The Dogs now hit the road to play the front end of a home and home with the Kingston Frontenacs. On Friday January 4th the Dogs travel to the Kingston Memorial Centre to take on the Frontenacs; puck drops at 7:30 pm. Then on Sunday January 6th the Dogs play host to the Frontenacs at 2:00 pm at the Gatorade Garden City Complex. Fans are reminded that tickets for this game and all other IceDogs games can be purchased at the Customer Service Desk at the Pen Centre or by visiting www.ticketmaster.ca.
GO-DOGS-GO!
