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IceDogs Snap Losing Streak with Win Over Knights

In an exciting matchup, the Niagara IceDogs triumphed over the London Knights with a score of 6-4 on March 1 at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, Ontario. Hayden Jeffrey, the IceDogs goaltender, achieved his first win in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) by making an impressive 41 saves, showcasing his talent in only his third start due to injuries affecting key team members.

Jeffrey’s performance was critical, particularly early in the game, as he made five key saves within the first five minutes, setting a strong tone for the IceDogs. Meanwhile, Kevin He emerged as a standout player for Niagara, netting a hat trick that significantly contributed to the team’s victory. He reached a milestone by scoring his 30th goal of the season and sealed the game with an empty-netter in the final moments.

This win marked a significant turning point for Niagara, as it ended a 12-game winless streak, the team’s first victory since January 26. The IceDogs faced an uphill battle as the game started with Evan Van Gorp from the Knights opening the scoring at the 11:44 mark of the first period. After his goal, both Van Gorp and his teammate Denver Barkey encountered injuries that briefly sidelined them, but they returned to continue contributing.

Just 36 seconds after Barkey scored, He brought the game back to a tie with a short-handed goal, providing a momentum shift for the IceDogs. Sam Dickinson later restored London’s lead with a power-play goal, but the second period saw a more defensive approach from both teams following a fight that included Dickinson and Niagara’s Noah Van Vliet.

With the IceDogs on a power play, He tied the game 2-2 before Ryan Roobroeck put the IceDogs ahead with another power-play goal, making it 3-2. The IceDogs continued to build their lead into the third period, with Ethan Czata scoring early on a breakaway. London did manage to close the gap at one point with a goal from Kasper Halttunen, but a timely tip-in by Ivan Galiyanov extended the IceDogs’ lead once again.

Despite a late effort from the Knights with a goal from Sam O’Reilly, they could not find the equalizer, ending the game with London outshooting Niagara 44 to 32 and converting on two out of five power-play opportunities compared to Niagara’s two out of four.

Evan Van Gorp’s Future Plans

In related news, Evan Van Gorp, a forward for the Knights, recently announced his commitment to play for the University of Maine. This decision comes on the heels of a rule change by the NCAA permitting players with Major Junior experience to compete in NCAA hockey. At just 17 years old, Van Gorp is focused on finishing his OHL career, stating that he believes London is the best place for his development as a player. This season, he has made significant contributions with 17 goals and 19 assists, totaling 36 points.

Looking Ahead

The Knights will be heading to Oshawa for a rematch against the Generals, marking their first return to the Tribute Communities Centre since clinching the OHL Championship in 2024. The Generals, with a strong roster featuring ten players from the previous matchup, will be eager to defend their home ice after previously defeating London 5-3 earlier in the season.

Fans can tune into the game at 5:30 p.m. through 980 CFPL, available via traditional broadcast and streaming options on iHeart Radio and Radioplayer Canada.

Source
globalnews.ca