A three goal third period propelled the IceDogs to a 4-1 home opening win over the Erie Otters. A Meridian Centre crowd of 4,768 saw the hometown Dogs improve to a perfect 2-0 start on the 2017-2018 season.
Scoreless until the 16:45 mark of the second, Dan Singer's first of the year gave the IceDogs a 1-0 advantage. Linemates Machala and Philip would pick up the assists. The advantage lasted only 65 seconds before visiting Erie would score to tie it at one.
In the decisive third, Kyle Langdon would convert a rebound for the eventual game winner at the 2:36 mark, with help from Bradey Johnson and Justin MacPherson. First star Akil Thomas would find the back of the net from the right point to extend the lead at 12:51. Singer's assist was his second point of the night, while Elijah Roberts notched his first point in a Niagara uniform. The power-play would end the scoring with just over five to go as Oliver Castleman's snap shot got it done, with help from Kirill Maksimov and goaltender Stephen Dhillon.
Dhillon would surrender only a single goal for the second straight game, making 25 saves.
610 CKTB 3 Stars of the Game
1-Akil Thomas
2-Ivan Lodnia (Erie)
3-Oliver Castleman
The IceDogs weekend continues with a home and home with Peterborough. The Petes will be in St Catharines Saturday night, with the 610 CKTB pre-game show getting it all underway at 6:30.