The Niagara IceDogs took to the ice at the Gatorade Garden City Complex for the first time this season on Saturday night when they played to a 3-3 draw with the Erie Otters in the exhibition home opener. 

Michael Hasson had two points as the IceDogs and Otters entertained 2263 fans in the IceDogs first home game since April.

The game opened up with Erie’s David Broll beating Niagara’s Mark Visentin five hole on the power-play giving the Otters an early advantage.

The IceDogs power-play was in sync creating countless chances but they were unable to beat Chris Festerini who made 13 saves in the first period.

The period ended with Matt Baldassarra getting the best of Scott Mitchell in a marathon fight that left both players exhausted as Erie headed into the first intermission with a 1-0 advantage.

The second period would slow to a stand still when the glass shattered behind the IceDogs net forcing the teams to retreat to their dressing rooms for a length delay just 1:17 into the period.

The delay combined with the slow ice conditions were a factor in a sloppy period that had no shortage of turnovers and mistakes.

Festerini came up big again when the IceDogs poured on the pressure thanks to a 4-on-3 power play when Niagara’s Alex Friesen drew a headshot penalty. 

Erie would stretch their lead to two as Andrew Yogan snapped one past John Chartrand who relieved Visentin with 9:45 left in the second. 

Niagara would also take advantage of a cold goaltender as Jason Shaw beat Shane Owen to open the scoring for the IceDogs.  Hasson drew the assist.

The IceDogs would strike again just twelve seconds later when Friesen and Matt Petgrave set up Andrew Fritsch who ripped one home to tie the game at the 3:40 mark of the second period.   

The IceDogs came out strong to start the third period as Hasson put home a weak backhand short side on Owen to give Niagara a one goal advantage.  Marco Insam drew the only assist.

Erie would deadlock it at three thanks to Anthony Luciani’s wrap around goal at the 8:07 mark when he found a hole in a screened Chartrand.

The IceDogs had a flurry of chances in the final minute of play including Freddie Hamilton who had an open net but couldn’t get a handle on the puck and Johnson Andrews who was turned away by Owen on a breakaway.

Exhibition play does not include overtime and shootout time as in the regular season allowing for a 3-3 final.

Both Niagara goaltenders preformed well with Visentin making 15 saves and Chartrand turned aside 25 Erie shots. 

The IceDogs welcome the Otters back for a Sunday afternoon matinee game at 2PM at the Gatorade Garden City Complex.

-Brett Vancise
Media Relations