The Niagara IceDogs are preparing to do battle with the Ottawa 67’s in the first round of the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Last year, the IceDogs finished in 6th place while the 67’s finished in 3rd. Niagara succeeded in upsetting Ottawa in a seven game thriller and moved on to the second round.  The teams meet again this year with the IceDogs finishing in 7th, while the 67’s finished in 2nd.

The IceDogs will hope to do so again this year, as the young Niagara team has worked very hard to clinch a playoff spot. In what seemed to be a nearly impossible situation with the IceDogs sitting in last place in the OHL, the leadership stepped it up for the ‘Dogs and provided both the team and fans with the energy, heart and determination to make anything possible.

The season series between the two teams this year ended up being even with each team picking up two wins against one another, but Ottawa, being in second place, will receive the home ice advantage.

The first game takes place Friday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Ottawa Civic Centre.

The 67’s are known to be a fast paced, highly offensive team that the IceDogs’ defenders will have to keep in check. With names such as Tyler Toffoli, Corey Cowick, Anothony Nigro, and San Jose Sharks draftee Julien Demers on the back end, this 67’s team has proven to be well rounded and challenging for any team to play.

The IceDogs will also look for solid play up front from Andrew Agozzino, Alex Friesen and Freddie Hamilton.  On the back end, Reggie Traccitto will be relied on for some offensive production, after leading all OHL defenceman during the regular season with 20 goals.  In goal Mark Visentin will be relied upon to continue his stellar play, which helped give the IceDogs a chance to win every game down the stretch.

While the IceDogs will be looking for leadership from the aforementioned big guns, the role players on the team will be key as well. Johnson Andrews is hoping to make his return for the playoffs; his play has improved immensely as of late, and Michael Hasson, who himself just recently returned from injury, and linemate Mitchell Theoret have chipped in with goals in the last few regular season games.  

The second game will take place on Sunday, March 21 at 2:00 p.m., again in Ottawa, before the IceDogs take a turn hosting on Tuesday, March 23rd and Thursday, March 25th, with both games starting at 7:30pm at the Gatorade Garden City Complex. Fans can catch all the away games on TVCOGECO or 105.1 The River.

There are still plenty of great seats available for both of the IceDogs first two home playoff games and the tickets can be purchased at any IceDogs ticketing location. For more information, please contact the IceDogs head office at 905-687-DOG1 (3641).

- Jeff Blay, Media Relations