Coming off their third consecutive win, the Niagara IceDogs will try to carry their momentum over to Thursday night as they get set to host the Brampton Battalion in the first of two home games this weekend.  

Thursday night will mark the first match up between the two teams since Niagara eliminated Brampton from the playoffs last season.  The Battalion appear to be a much improved team from that time, starting the season with seven wins in their first twelve games. 

Much of the Battalion’s success thus far has can be credited to their goaltending. The netminding tandem of Keegan Wilson and Matej Machovsky has posted consecutive shutouts in their last two games, earning wins over Kingston and Peterborough.  Wilson and Machovsky sit first and second in the OHL with goals against averages of 1.30 and 2.23 respectively.

Leading their scoring attack is Battalion’s first choice in last year’s CHL Import Draft, rookie Patrik Machac, who has 11 points in 12 games.  Team captain, and Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick, Sam Carrick has also had a strong start to the season, earning an invite to play for the Ontario Hockey League squad at the Subway Super Series versus Team Russia. 

Niagara received a boost on Wednesday night from the return of defenceman Brock Beukeboom to the lineup.  Beukeboom will be making his home debut tomorrow night at the Gatorade Garden City Complex after being acquired in a trade this summer.  The IceDogs are excited to have Brock in the lineup to provide additional depth and leadership on the back end.