The Niagara IceDogs and Erie Otters continued the exhibition season playing to a tie for the second time in as many days.

The teams scored a combined six power play goals en route to a 4-4 draw at the Gatorade Garden City Complex in front on 2223 fans on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in downtown St. Catharines. 

Shayne Rover opened up the scoring for the IceDogs just 2:29 into the game with an unassisted goal.

The IceDogs power play connected at the 7:12 mark when Reggie Traccitto fired one home making it 2-0.  Michael Hasson and Matthew Maione drew assists on the power play goal.

The Otters cut the lead in half when Ryan O’Reilly fed Shawn Szydlowski on the power play making it 2-1 Niagara.

Erie made it 2-2 when their power play lit the lamp once again as Jeremy Gottzmann and Chris Breen assisted on a Scott Mitchell blast from the point at the 10:59 mark.

Andrew Fritsch would give Niagara a 3-2 lead heading into the first intermission, scoring his second of the exhibition season, with an assist going to Alex Friesen.

The Otters lethal power play would deadlock the game at three just nine seconds into the second period as Mike Cazzola beat John Chartrand, who played the entire game for the IceDogs making 37 saves.

Freddie Hamilton gave the IceDogs a one goal advantage on the power play 6:34 into the second.  Reggie Traccitto picked up his second point of the game drawing the assist.

The Otters would take advantage of another Niagara penalty as Brady Austin scored Erie’s fourth goal power play goal of the game to knot it up at four heading into the second intermission.

The third period would be dominated by goaltending as Chartrand made fifteen saves to shut down the Otters three opportunities with the man advantage.  Erie goaltender and Tampa Bay lightning prospect Jaroslav Janus saw his first preseason action, turning aside 10 third period shots, and 31 overall to preserve a 4-4 tie. 

The IceDogs will continue exhibition play Sept. 10 when they welcome Guelph for their final tune-up before the regular season home opener on Sept. 17. 

Brett Vancise
Media Relations