The Niagara IceDogs were out-numbered by the Ottawa 67’s on the scoreboard in hard-fought 5-2 decision at the Gatorade Garden City Complex Sunday afternoon.

Ottawa’s Thomas Nesbitt opened the scoring on the power play by redirecting a point shot from San Jose Sharks draft pick Julien Demeres to give the 67’s an early 1-0 lead.

The two teams exchanged several scoring chances but could not capitalize, and Ottawa took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.

Ex-IceDog Andrew Merritt scored for the 67’s midway through the second period after Mark Visentin mishandled the puck in front of his net, giving Ottawa a 2-0 lead.

The second period was much like the first – a lone goal for the 67’s would carry them into the intermission with a 2-0 lead.

Andrew Agozzino continued to carry the load for the IceDogs over the past few games as he scored his 36th of the season off a face off win by Alex Friesen at the 3:38 mark of the third to get the Dogs back into the game.

Cody Lindsay answered back for Ottawa by netting his 36th of the season as well, giving his team a 3-1 lead over the IceDogs midway through the third.

Ottawa followed up with their 4th goal of the game from Tyler Toffoli at the 11:45 mark of the period.

Johnson Andrews cut the 67’s lead in half shortly after with a tenacious effort in front of the Ottawa net, jamming the puck past net-minder Chris Perugini to make the score 4-2.

The IceDogs pulled Visentin late in the third in efforts to tie up the game, but the 67’s scored on the empty net, giving the game a final score of 5-2.

The IceDogs return to action Thursday, March 4, as they play host to the Brampton Battalion at 7:30 p.m. The Sudbury Wolves also visit Niagara on Saturday, March 6, with a start time of 7:00 p.m. Both games are crucial for the IceDogs in their attempt to hold a playoff spot. Tickets for both games can be purchased at any IceDogs ticketing location.


- Jeff Blay, Media Relations

Scoreboard:
1. OTT Nesbitt, (29) (Demers, Prince), 3:00 (PP)    
2. OTT Merrett, (6) , 9:44     
3. NIAG Agozzino, (36) (Friesen), 3:38     
3. OTT Lindsay, (36) (Toffoli), 9:45     
3. OTT Toffoli, (33) , 11:45     
3. NIAG Andrews, (6) (Petgrave), 12:25     
3. OTT Nigro, (16) , 19:13 (EN)