Visors and Risers

The Erie Otters used an eight goal second period to absolutely dismantle the Niagara Ice Dogs 10-1 in front of 5,015 fans at the Erie Insurance Center. The first period was actually quite misleading as the Ice Dogs ended the period with a 1-0 lead despite being outshot 14 to 7 in said period. The second period was another story altogether as the Otters rattled off eight straight goals and 29 total shots, the Otters would fire home two more goals before the end of the game as well as outshooting the Ice Dogs 60-14, yes 60-14. The Otters were led offensively by Anthony Cirelli (3 goals), Christian Girhiny (2 goals), and Cam Lizotte (2 goals) and goaltender TroyTimpano stopped 13 of 14 shots for the victory. Ice Dogs goaltender StephenDhillon stopped 35 of 43 shots before rookie goaltender Colton Incze came in relief and stopped 15 of 17 shots to end the game. This was the 5 th time in Otters team history that the team had 60 or more shots in one game, it...

Ryan Mantha Finally Gets His Shot  Credit Harry Scull Jr. It has been a long time coming for Niagara Ice Dogs defenseman Ryan Mantha , but he has finally signed a 3 year entry level contract with an NHL team earlier today. After being drafted by the New York Rangers in the 4th round of the 2014 Entry Draft (#104 overall) Mantha continued to play for the Niagara Ice Dogs of the OHL, but was deemed to not be a part of the Rangers long term future and was never offered a contract. After becoming a free agent in June of this year, Mantha was invited to the Buffalo Sabres pre-season camp but was let go soon after. Mantha was soon after named the 2016/2017 captain of the Ice dogs and has been a solid offensive contributor to the team, producing 51 points (14 goals, 37 assists) in 58 games this season. Just following the NHL Trade Deadline today, the Edmonton Oilers announced that they had signed Mantha to a 3-year entry level deal.  In an Interview with The Buffal...

Friday March 3, 2017  Erie Insurance Center, Erie PA  Erie Otters (44-12-3, 1st in the Western Conference)    Vs.  Niagara Ice Dogs (20-29-10, 8th in the Eastern Conference)  Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images North America This is a Matchup of two teams in almost polar opposite positions in the standings. Erie, who clinched a playoff spot almost two weeks ago to the day, is just coming off of a 14 game win streak but more recently has been struggling with lower seeded teams due to injuries and lack of motivation. Niagara, who on the verge of being eliminated from the playoffs baring a late season surge, has been unable to find a way to consistently win more than one or two games in a row. I believe that this matchup will be closer than you think, as Erie is most likely going to coast into the playoffs while Niagara is still fighting for their playoff lives. Erie:  Taylor Raddysh  (Tampa Bay Lightning 2016 2nd round pick, #58 overall)...