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Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
The Soo Greyhounds are set to take on the Niagara IceDogs at Memorial Gardens in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on Friday, December 13th, in a highly anticipated Ontario Hockey League showdown. Sitting third in the Western Division with a record of 14 wins, 15 losses, and 28 points, the Greyhounds will be looking to bounce back and gain ground in the standings. Their opponents, the IceDogs, are in strong form, holding second place in the Central Division with an impressive 38 points, including 18 wins, nine losses, one overtime loss, and one shootout loss. With both teams eager to secure crucial points, fans can expect an intense and competitive matchup.
Niagara came out strong in the first period, capitalizing on a power-play opportunity to open the scoring. Andrei Loshko netted his 16th goal of the season with a precise shot, showcasing his offensive prowess. Shortly after, Kevin He extended Niagara’s lead with his 22nd goal of the season, demonstrating his consistent scoring ability and giving his team a solid 2-0 advantage heading into the first intermission. The team’s sharp puck movement and offensive execution kept the Greyhounds on their heels early in the game.
The momentum continued for Niagara in the second period as Blair Scott found the back of the net for his first goal of the season, widening the lead to 3-0. While the Greyhounds showed some resistance with Carson Andrew scoring his fourth of the season to make it 3-1, Niagara quickly regained control. Ethan Czata scored his 10th of the season to restore the three-goal cushion, and Alex Assadourian added his seventh goal of the 2024-2025 campaign to cap off a dominant period. Heading into the third, Niagara held a commanding 5-1 lead, fueled by a balanced offensive attack and a relentless forecheck.
The third period saw plenty of action, as both teams continued to battle with intensity. The Greyhounds struck early with Jordan Charron scoring his second goal of the season, cutting the deficit to 5-2. However, Niagara responded decisively as Ethan Czata tallied his second goal of the game on a power play, further demonstrating his offensive impact. Shortly after, IceDogs forward Noel Nordh scored on a shorthanded penalty shot, scoring his seventh of the season to make it 7-2. Despite the widening gap, Greyhounds rookie Brady Martin impressed with his 14th goal of the season, a stellar effort that highlighted his promising talent. As the game wound down, Niagara’s Andrei Loshko capitalized on an empty net, sinking his second of the night and 17th of the season to extend the IceDogs’ lead to 7-4. Although the Greyhounds pushed for a late comeback, Niagara sealed the deal when Mike Levin netted his eighth goal of the season, solidifying an 8-4 victory. The IceDogs’ balanced attack, coupled with timely scoring and strong special teams play, proved too much for the Greyhounds to handle.
The Sarnia Sting comes into to Sault Ste Marie for an afternoon matinee on Sunday, December 15th to face the Greyhounds after winning 5 – 2 over the visiting Owen Sound Attack on Friday, December 13th in Sarnia.
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