The final year of Dan Barnett's junior career is turning out to be one of the most personally satisfying.
The hometown product led the way with a five point afternoon, as the Otters scored six unanswered goals to defeat Milton 6-2. It marked the final game for Huntsville prior to the Christmas break.
After falling behind 2-0 after one, and despite firing 20 pucks in the first period against IceHawks starter Ryan Kelly, who was making his OJAHL debut, the Otters regrouped to start the second to solve the young netminder.
Barnett scored his first of the game, his 19th of the season on the powerplay to cut the lead to 2-1. Then just over a minute later, Adam Ritchie notched his 17th of the campaign shorthanded to tie the game at 2. Tyler McGee rounded out the comeback and the second period scoring by tapping home the puck on the doorstep of the Milton goal, one of three power play goals the Otters had on the day, to take a 3-2 lead to the dressing room after 40 minutes.
The third period was opposite to the first, where Milton took the game to Huntsville in the opening 20 minutes. The final frame saw the Otters completely dominate. Phil Moreau made it 4-2 just over three minutes into the 3rd. McGee then scored his second of the day to make it 5-2, with Barnett rounding out the scoring, getting his second of the game to make it a 6-2 final.
Barnett's five point game was a personal best for him. Back on November 6, he had three goals and an assist in a win over Vaughan 7-5.
The Otters go into the break with 29 points, two points up on Mississauga. First action for Huntsville following the holidays will be at home to the Bramalea Blues at the Jack Bionda, Sunday January 3 beginning at 3pm.
OTTERS TALES: Cameron Brace sat out yesterday's game nursing an upper body injury. He says he'll take the break to allow it to heal and expects to be back in the lineup in time for the January 3 game vs. the Blues.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Otters snap two game losing streak, defeat Villanova 6-2
Huntsville snapped a two game mini losing streak by getting all their scoring from three different marksmen en route to a 6-2 victory over Villanova in Toronto today. Dane Horvat did all the scoring in the first period. The captain noched his 15th and 16th goals of the season to make it 2-0 Otters after 20 minutes. The team's traded goals in the second. Adam Ritchie notched his first of two on the day, His 15th gave the Otters a 3-0 lead. The Knights cut the lead to two with less than four minutes left in the middle frame on a goal by Chris Lochner. The third was pretty much all Huntsville. Ritchie scored his second of the game, and his 16th of the season, then James Olivier scored two straight goals to give the Otters a 6-1 lead. Villanova added a single with less than six minutes remaining to round out the scoring.
The Otters had 61 shots fired on starting netminder Brandon Polo - 31 in the final period alone.
Huntsville wraps up the pre-Christmas portion of their sechedule tomorrow hosting Milton at the Jack Bionda at 3pm. Well have the pre game show beginning at 2:50pm at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/otters-icehawks-december-20
The Otters had 61 shots fired on starting netminder Brandon Polo - 31 in the final period alone.
Huntsville wraps up the pre-Christmas portion of their sechedule tomorrow hosting Milton at the Jack Bionda at 3pm. Well have the pre game show beginning at 2:50pm at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/otters-icehawks-december-20
Otters Fall 5-2 to Chargers
The Mississauga Chargers put two goals behind Charlie Millen before the game was three minutes old, and that paced the visitors to a 5-2 win Friday night at the Jack, ending their three game losing streak.
Mike Santini and Jinmin Kim made it 2-0 before Braiden Burnett tallied his 7th of the season from Sean Poitras and Adam Ritchie to make it a 2-1 game after 20 minutes of play.
That goal seemed to spark the Otters, as Dan Barnett notched his team leading 18th of the season, from Tyler McGee and Brad Langford, to tie the game at 2.
But before the second period was out, Mike Santini notched an even strength marker with 23 second left to send Mississauga to the dressing room with a 3-2 lead.
Two unanswered Charger goals in the third rounded out the scoring.
The three games in three days schedule continues today for the Otters, as they travel to Toronto to take on the Villanova Knights for a 2:30 faceoff. Huntsville rounds out the weekend, and the portion of their schedule prior to the Christmas break, by hosting the Milton Icehawks at the Jack Bionda Sunday at 3pm.
OTTERS TALES...Barnett now has seven points in his last five games...this was the first time in four games this season that Mississauga had beaten the Otters....with an assist in this game, Tyler McGee now has seven points in four games played against the Chargers this season...Huntsville has now been outscored by their opponents in the third period 52-37 in 2009/10.
Mike Santini and Jinmin Kim made it 2-0 before Braiden Burnett tallied his 7th of the season from Sean Poitras and Adam Ritchie to make it a 2-1 game after 20 minutes of play.
That goal seemed to spark the Otters, as Dan Barnett notched his team leading 18th of the season, from Tyler McGee and Brad Langford, to tie the game at 2.
But before the second period was out, Mike Santini notched an even strength marker with 23 second left to send Mississauga to the dressing room with a 3-2 lead.
Two unanswered Charger goals in the third rounded out the scoring.
The three games in three days schedule continues today for the Otters, as they travel to Toronto to take on the Villanova Knights for a 2:30 faceoff. Huntsville rounds out the weekend, and the portion of their schedule prior to the Christmas break, by hosting the Milton Icehawks at the Jack Bionda Sunday at 3pm.
OTTERS TALES...Barnett now has seven points in his last five games...this was the first time in four games this season that Mississauga had beaten the Otters....with an assist in this game, Tyler McGee now has seven points in four games played against the Chargers this season...Huntsville has now been outscored by their opponents in the third period 52-37 in 2009/10.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
3 game winning streak comes to an end in a close one
It was one of these battles that could have gone either way. In the end, the Vipers eeked out a 4-3 win over the Otters Monday night in Woodbridge.
Sean Poitras gave Huntsville a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes. It was tied 1 apiece heading into the third when Dan Barnett scored his 17th goal of the season to give the Otters a 2-1 lead. Back to back goals by the Vipers put them up 3-2 before Tyler McGee responded to knot the game up with a little less than half the period to play.
But a Viper even strength marker with just under eight minutes to play put Vaughan up for good. Thomas Shelley made 24 stops in the Otters net. The next action for Huntsville is back at the Jack Bionda Friday night to start a busy three games in three days just prior to the Christmas break. They host Mississauga at 7:30pm.
Sean Poitras gave Huntsville a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes. It was tied 1 apiece heading into the third when Dan Barnett scored his 17th goal of the season to give the Otters a 2-1 lead. Back to back goals by the Vipers put them up 3-2 before Tyler McGee responded to knot the game up with a little less than half the period to play.
But a Viper even strength marker with just under eight minutes to play put Vaughan up for good. Thomas Shelley made 24 stops in the Otters net. The next action for Huntsville is back at the Jack Bionda Friday night to start a busy three games in three days just prior to the Christmas break. They host Mississauga at 7:30pm.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Otters Win 3rd straight 5-3 over Mississauga
Tyler McGee had a three point night and Dan Barnett had a pair of goals as the Otters scored four goals in the third period en route to a 5-3 victory over Mississauga Saturday night at the Port Credit Arena.
The Otters led 1-0 after the first period on a goal by Cameron Brace. Jordan Forfar, the former Peterborough Liftlock Star, tallied an assist and his first point as an Otter on Brace's marker.
Mississauga took a 2-1 lead into the dressing room at the second intermission, but the third period belonged to the Otters. Phil Moreau and goals back to back by Barnett made it 4-2. The Chargers cut the lead to 4-3 until McGee scored an unassisted marker to put the game out of reach.
Thomas Shelley made 24 stops for his second win in a Huntsville uniform since being acquired from Brampton 10 days ago.
Huntsville travels to Woodbridge Monday night to take on the Vaughan Vipers who have lost eight straight.
Check back to Otters Tales regularly. We'll have an update of when the Friday game, that was snowed out at the Jack Bionda, will be rescheduled.
The Otters led 1-0 after the first period on a goal by Cameron Brace. Jordan Forfar, the former Peterborough Liftlock Star, tallied an assist and his first point as an Otter on Brace's marker.
Mississauga took a 2-1 lead into the dressing room at the second intermission, but the third period belonged to the Otters. Phil Moreau and goals back to back by Barnett made it 4-2. The Chargers cut the lead to 4-3 until McGee scored an unassisted marker to put the game out of reach.
Thomas Shelley made 24 stops for his second win in a Huntsville uniform since being acquired from Brampton 10 days ago.
Huntsville travels to Woodbridge Monday night to take on the Vaughan Vipers who have lost eight straight.
Check back to Otters Tales regularly. We'll have an update of when the Friday game, that was snowed out at the Jack Bionda, will be rescheduled.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
THANK YOU!
A huge thank you to everyone who came out to help the team help those less fortunate this holiday season.
The team helped the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle campaign bring in a lot of donations from shoppers at Robinson's Independent Grocers. A special thank you to Randy Robinson for supplying the space to play ball hockey in the parking lot and for the donation of hot dogs and sausages, all toward a worthwhile cause.
A reminder of the Otter's annual Teddy Bear Toss, in conjuction with Hailey's Wish Teddy Bear Drive at the Otters home game Friday December 18.
Fans are asked to bring a new bear or stuffed toy to the game for a charity bear toss. Bears will also be available for sale at the game.
The team helped the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle campaign bring in a lot of donations from shoppers at Robinson's Independent Grocers. A special thank you to Randy Robinson for supplying the space to play ball hockey in the parking lot and for the donation of hot dogs and sausages, all toward a worthwhile cause.
A reminder of the Otter's annual Teddy Bear Toss, in conjuction with Hailey's Wish Teddy Bear Drive at the Otters home game Friday December 18.
Fans are asked to bring a new bear or stuffed toy to the game for a charity bear toss. Bears will also be available for sale at the game.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Otters win 2nd straight 6-2 over Milton
The Otters peppered 57 shots at the Milton goal, and Thomas Shelley picked up his first win as a Huntsville Otter as the club downed the Milton Icehawks 6-2 Friday night.
After a scoreless first, Huntsville scored all four goals in the second to take a 4-0 lead to the dressing room after 40 minutes. They made it 5-0 to open the third before Milton replied with a pair of markers. Kylian Kirkwood, Sean Poirtras and Phil Moreau tallied a goal and an assist each to lead the way. Zach Robinson, Cameron Brace and Tyler McGee tallied singles. Moreau's goal with about three and a half minutes left completed the scoring on the night.
The Otters fired 30 shots alone in the second period against the Icehawks goaltending tandem of Brian Betts and Marco Tomei.
The win puts the Otters four points back of the Brampton Capitals in the overall standings. The next game for Huntsville is next Friday December 11 when the Vaughan Vipers visit the Jack Bionda for a 7:30pm face off. The pregame show begins at 7:20 by finding the link at huntsvilleotters.com
After a scoreless first, Huntsville scored all four goals in the second to take a 4-0 lead to the dressing room after 40 minutes. They made it 5-0 to open the third before Milton replied with a pair of markers. Kylian Kirkwood, Sean Poirtras and Phil Moreau tallied a goal and an assist each to lead the way. Zach Robinson, Cameron Brace and Tyler McGee tallied singles. Moreau's goal with about three and a half minutes left completed the scoring on the night.
The Otters fired 30 shots alone in the second period against the Icehawks goaltending tandem of Brian Betts and Marco Tomei.
The win puts the Otters four points back of the Brampton Capitals in the overall standings. The next game for Huntsville is next Friday December 11 when the Vaughan Vipers visit the Jack Bionda for a 7:30pm face off. The pregame show begins at 7:20 by finding the link at huntsvilleotters.com
Friday, December 4, 2009
Otters vs. Icehawks fast facts
A few facts ahead of tonight's tilt in Milton:
- The Otters know all too well that of the 2 wins posted by the Icehawks, one came against them. It was a 1-0 victory September 20 at the Mould Master Sportsplex.
- The Icehawks leading scorer, James Woodcroft, is on a tear. He has 14 points (7g, 7a) in his last five games
- The Otters hottest hand the last five games has been Tyler McGee, putting up 7 points (1G, 6A)
- Three Otters head into tonight's road game tied for the team lead in points away from the Jack Bionda. Adam Ritchie, Cameron Brace and Dane Horvat all have 17
- Milton's Andrew Oreskovic heads into tonight's game second in the league in total penalty minutes (114)
- Huntsville goes into tonights game with the 4th best road penalty killing record in the league at 84.5%
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Otters To Support Local Salvation Army Kettle Campaign December 5
Make sure you drop by Robinson's Indpendent Grocer on Howland Drive this Saturday, December 5 between 11am and 3pm for two great reasons. Not only do you get a chance to see your favourite Huntsville Otter, but you get to give to a worthwhile cause too!
Members of the Otters will be taking turns stationed at the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle, asking for your donation toward helping those less fortunate this holiday season. But that's not all! You'll also get a chance to see your favourite Otters play a game of ball hockey and sign autographs.
Come out and support your local Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign while meeting some of your favourite Huntsville Otters, this Saturday December 5 between 11 and 3.
Members of the Otters will be taking turns stationed at the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle, asking for your donation toward helping those less fortunate this holiday season. But that's not all! You'll also get a chance to see your favourite Otters play a game of ball hockey and sign autographs.
Come out and support your local Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign while meeting some of your favourite Huntsville Otters, this Saturday December 5 between 11 and 3.
Lepara Released, George Traded to Muskies
Joseph Lepara was released by the team yesterday to make room for the acquisition of Thomas Shelley from the Brampton Capitals.
In a separate deal, the Otters acquired defenceman Kenny Carpenter from the Lindsay Muskies in exchange for fan favourite Ron George. Carpenter is the second former Muskie to be picked up in as many months to suit up on the Otter blueline.
In a separate deal, the Otters acquired defenceman Kenny Carpenter from the Lindsay Muskies in exchange for fan favourite Ron George. Carpenter is the second former Muskie to be picked up in as many months to suit up on the Otter blueline.
Making Hay While the Sun Shines
Some midweek musings before the Otters play a solo affair this Friday against the team that occupies the bottom of the Division of 15 standings...hey, not to pick on Milton, but its the Icehawks turn to have a complete rebuilding season.
The farmers used to have a saying - they probably still do - to "make hay while the sun still shines". Thats exactly what the Otters will need to do if you take a look at the schedule over the next two weeks. Between now and December 18, three of Huntsville's next five games come against opponents either below them currently in the standings, or against the team occupying the 8th and final playoff spot.
After Milton, its Mississauga and Vaughan twice. These next five games will be an indication of how well this team appears to be gelling. Using a huge win against Couchching as a springboard can't hurt. Can they make up 10 points in the standings, leapfrog over four teams to capture a playoff spot? Well, first off, lets not get carried away. But in the same breath, let's not sell them short either.
If Brian O'Leary can somehow electronically plant a DVD of the Couchching game into each players head, to reinforce just how defensively sound they can play when they want to, while getting Charlie Millen and Thomas Shelley to steal a game here and there, this could be an interesting last half of the 09/10 season.
Let's compare notes in two weeks, shall we?
The farmers used to have a saying - they probably still do - to "make hay while the sun still shines". Thats exactly what the Otters will need to do if you take a look at the schedule over the next two weeks. Between now and December 18, three of Huntsville's next five games come against opponents either below them currently in the standings, or against the team occupying the 8th and final playoff spot.
After Milton, its Mississauga and Vaughan twice. These next five games will be an indication of how well this team appears to be gelling. Using a huge win against Couchching as a springboard can't hurt. Can they make up 10 points in the standings, leapfrog over four teams to capture a playoff spot? Well, first off, lets not get carried away. But in the same breath, let's not sell them short either.
If Brian O'Leary can somehow electronically plant a DVD of the Couchching game into each players head, to reinforce just how defensively sound they can play when they want to, while getting Charlie Millen and Thomas Shelley to steal a game here and there, this could be an interesting last half of the 09/10 season.
Let's compare notes in two weeks, shall we?
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