The IceDogs power-play went 3 for 4 against Eastern Conference leading Hamilton in a 5-4 overtime loss. First star Sam Miletic and second star Akil Thomas each enjoyed three point nights.
Colton Incze was the story of period one, turning aside all but one of 15 Hamilton shots for the only goal of the first.
In the second, Ben Jones deflected home a Miletic point on the man advantage. His 21st at 2:46 earned Liam Ham an assist as well. The IceDogs took the lead at 7:08 as Thomas struck for his 20th on a high slot spin-o-rama bullet from Miletic and Philip Tomasino. After the visitors got things even, Miletic fired home his 32nd, a power-play rocket short side at 14:19 from Ham and Thomas. Leading 3-2 after two, Billy Burke's squad registered 11 shots in each period, while Incze stopped 26 of 28.
On to the third where Hamilton had it tied for less than three minutes as Thomas and Jones helped set up Kirill Maksimov's 31st, on the power-play, at 10:22. A Bulldogs deflection with 6:19 to go made it 4-all after 60. At the twenty minute mark, the IceDogs were victimized by a puck over the boards giving Hamilton a delay of game man advantage. The home team was outshot 40-34 in regulation.
Overtime lasted 30 seconds and two shots as the 4 on 3 power-play ended the contest. With the point, the IceDogs have guaranteed themselves at least a tie in the Canine Cup. More importantly, the big overtime point gives Niagara a one point lead over 5th place Oshawa, a two point spread on Ottawa and a three point advantage over North Bay.
610 CKTB 3 Stars of the Game...
1-Sam Miletic
2-Akil Thomas
3-Arthur Kaliyev (Bulldogs)
No rest for the IceDogs as Barrie comes to town Friday night. 610 CKTB will have the call beginning at 6:30.