The IceDogs will have a good chance to get on track this week as they have three games in three nights starting this Thursday at the Gatorade Garden City Complex against the Owen Sound Attack at 7:30.

The IceDogs record of 2-4-2-1 through nine games this season is deceiving, since they have been competitive in virtually every contest and lost a total of five one-goal games.  Throughout the course of a 68 game season, one would think that bounces and good fortune would start accommodating the IceDogs more than they have thus far. 

One bright spot for the IceDogs has been the remarkable play of the trio of Alex Friesen, Chris DeSousa, and Andrew Agozzino.  The elevated play of Friesen has been a pleasant surprise for Niagara, as he has embraced his role as a top centre by posting 14 points and a +11 rating. 

The IceDogs have also enjoyed some polished goaltending efforts through the first few weeks of the season, as Petteri Simila and Mark Visentin have both given the team a chance to succeed in every game.  Visentin was rewarded with CHL goaltender of the week honours for his efforts in the opening week of October. 

Special teams have been the one thing that the IceDogs have room to improve on, and a change in the standings may be the result if they can refine their power play that is only hitting at a 7.7% success rate.  Staying out of the penalty box is also an area that stands out, as the IceDogs have already been shorthanded 60 times this season.

In Owen Sound, Niagara faces a desperate team that sits 9th in the Western Conference despite winning two straight games against respectable teams in Barrie and Sault Ste. Marie.  Bobby Mignardi has had a hot start to the season notching 14 points, and New York Rangers goaltending prospect Scott Stajcer has looked sharp in ten starts.   

The IceDogs will travel to Mississauga on Friday night, as the Majors will look to avenge the October 1st game where Niagara skated to a 4-2 win thanks to Mark Visentin’s 50 saves.  Since that contest, Mississauga has won 4 of 5 games and has had strong play from goaltender Chris Carrozzi. 

Niagara will finish off the week by getting their first look at the Sudbury Wolves on Saturday night, as they welcome them for a 7:00 p.m. puck-drop.  The Wolves have struggled lately, dropping five straight games and giving up 16 goals in their previous two.  Despite their recent woes, Sudbury is always a dangerous match-up with snipers Eric O’Dell and Jared Staal boasting a strong scoring threat. 

As the OHL season enters the meat of the schedule, fans should expect some competitive games as the high-flying IceDogs look to climb the standings.  Tickets are available for all home games and fans are encouraged to support perhaps the most compelling and physical version of the IceDogs. 

-Brett Vancise