In the biggest game of the season to date, the IceDogs stormed back from two down Saturday night, to defeat North Bay 4-2. With the win, Niagara takes over sole possession of fourth in the OHL's Eastern Conference.
Surrendering a power-play goal before the five minute mark and an even strength marker just after the mid-way mark, Billy Burke's team began the comeback in the final minute of the first. Akil Thomas snapped home a short side shot with just 11.1 seconds left on assist from Kirill Maksimov and Sam Miletic. Akil's 19th was the 15th shot in a period where each side recorded 15 shots. Colton Incze was outstanding, preventing two different Battalion breakaway attempts.
The IceDogs took over in the second, firing another 15 shots, while allowing just 5 North Bay replies. Miletic banged home a rebound for his 31st at 6:52 with help from Thomas and Philip Tomasino. On one of the great passes of the year, Elijah Roberts took a backhand saucer feed from Ben Jones and went five hole to give the home team the lead. Justin MacPherson also added an assist on Roberts' 9th of the season, which would prove to be the game winner.
A hard fought physical battle continued in the final period with the only goal coming off the stick of Ben Jones into an empty North Bay net with 1:45 to play. Colton Incze made 24 saves for the win with his teammates registering 40 shots.
610 CKTB 3 Stars of the Game...
1-Akil Thomas
2-Sam Miletic
3-Colton Incze
Off until Thursday, the IceDogs will entertain Hamilton at the Meridian Centre. 610 CKTB will kick things off with the pre-game at 6:30.