The Niagara IceDogs started the second half of the season on the right foot, defeating the Owen Sound Attack by a 2-1 final on Wednesday night.

After sitting out for a week and a half, both teams spent the majority of the first period getting back into the pace of play.  Neither team was able to find the back of the net, sending the game into the intermission with no score.  IceDogs goaltender Christopher Festarini made seven saves in the period to keep the Attack off the board. 

Owen Sound opened the scoring in the second period, as team captain Mike Halmo beat Festarini at the 9:47 mark.  The line of Alex Friesen, Joel Wigle and Mitchell Theoret was buzzing in the middle frame, producing a number of scoring chances, but were unable to solve Attack netminder Scott Stajcer.  The score would remain 1-0 heading into the final period.

In the third, IceDogs captain Andrew Agozzino would continue his hot play from before the break, notching a power play goal to tie the game.  Steven Shipley and Friesen recorded assists on the goal, extending their own point streaks.

Former Attack player, Myles Doan scored against his former team, joining the rush out of the penalty box and beating Stajcer for his fifth of the season.  Rookie Carter Verhaeghe picked up the lone assist, reward for his strong play of late.  Festarini made five saves in the final frame to hold the lead and seal the 2-1 victory for Niagara.

The IceDogs will have the night off on Thursday before making the trip to Mississauga on Friday to take on the Majors.  Niagara's next home game is Saturday night, New Years Eve, when they host the Guelph Storm at the Gatorade Garden City Complex.

The game will have a special 6:00pm start time and will include an open skate after the game for all fans in attendance to meet and receive autographs from their favourite IceDogs players.  Free cupcakes and hot chocolate will be served at 10:00pm.

As an added feature, the Canada vs. USA game will be shown on the video screens immediately following the game.  Fans are invited to stay after the game to cheer on Canada in their quest for gold. 


Game Summary
2. OS M. Halmo, (21) (D. Catenacci, G. Schemitsch), 9:47   
3. NIAG A. Agozzino, (18) (S. Shipley, A. Friesen), 4:51 (PP)  
3. NIAG M. Doan, (5) (C. Verhaeghe), 10:21