Belleville Bulls Vs Niagara Icedogs Saturday March 3, 2012

Belleville Bulls Vs Niagara Icedogs Saturday March 3, 2012

Saturday night the Class of the OHL was in Belleville to face the Bulls. The Niagara Icedogs. What can I say about the Niagara Icedogs that hasn't already been said ? One thing I can tell you is, that this isn't your fathers Icedogs. They are really good. The Icedogs in my view are the most complete team in the league from top to bottom. And they where in fine form on Saturday night giving the the Bulls the Business. Defeating the Toro's 10-3

The Bulls started Malcolm Subban for the 13th straight game. Malcolm played well and keep the Bulls in the game for the 1st frame, stopping 15 of the 17 shots he faced. In the 2nd the coaching staff gave Subban the hook after 3 NIA goals, in total he gave up 5 goals on 28 shots. In came former Icedog John Chartrand. John has been on the self for 15 games and it showed. He allowed 2 goals on the first 3 shots he faced, and in total he gave up 5 goals on 17 shots. At the other end of the rink the only thing standing in the Bulls way was the net minder who should be not only the OHL goaltender of the year , but for my money the CHL goaltender of the year in Mark Visentin. It might not have been Visentin's best night, he only faced 17 shots . Seven in the 1st and 2nd, and a measly three in the 3rd and allowing 3 goals. Not a real busy night. Saying that with the score 10-3, Visentin made a save that was easily highlight of the night material.
Niagara out shot Belleville 45-17 in the game.

With the 10-3 win NIA sweeps the season series with BEL 4-0 with a combined score of 26-3. Belleville's PP went 0/1 and the PK was 2/4.
Scoring for the Bulls were Carter Sandlak with his 5th in the first to tie the game at 1-1, Captain Luke Judson netted his 15th in the second, and to round out the Bulls scoring Scott Simmonds beat Visentin for his 3rd. Dylan Corson, Sandlak, Brendan Gaunce, Garrett Hooey and Jason Shaw all had single helpers.

Niagara is a real strong, deep team. They have 12 NHL drafted players on their roster, 5 players from team Canada's WJC entry. But I didn't see them being this strong. Belleville is a good team , but injuries and inconsistent play has hurt them. But when the Bulls are firing on all cylinders they can be a top team in the East. But Saturday night the Icedogs did what they wanted, sometimes looking like they were on the PP when it was 5 on 5.

They got 3 goals each from Steven Shipley and Freddie Hamilton. Brock Beukeboom chipped in with 2 goals. Andrew Agozzino and Myles Doan had singles.
NIA Assists - Ryan Strome(4), David Pacan(3), Shayne Rover(2), Jesse Graham(2). Seven different Icedogs added single helpers.

3Stars : 1- Freddie Hamilton 2- Steven Shipley 3- Ryan Strome