The Niagara Lock Monsters (7-2) look to remain on top of the standings when they host the Ohsweken Demons (6-4) Wednesday night at the Seymour – Hannah Centre in St. Catharines.
The Lock Monsters are coming off their fifth straight victory after beating the Iroquois Ironmen (1-7) by a score of 18-10 last Friday on the road. Welland, ON native Connor Danko improved to 5-0 on the season after making his fifth straight start and earning 52 saves in the victory. Dan Williams and Brad Favero led Niagara with three goals and two assists each. Niagara will be looking to their top offensive threats Corey Fowler (24G, 26A) and Andrew Potter (19G, 31A) to lead the Lock Monsters Wednesday night. Rookie of the year contender, Danko, will be looked upon to hold down the defensive end as he has the best goals against average in the league to date (9.47 GAA).
Lock Monster and Brock University LSM, Bryan Campbell said the keys to success will be to “continue their offensive dominance, stay consistent on the defensive side and not let up as the game progresses”. A full 60 minute performance will be needed to compete with the Ohsweken Demons who sit two points back of Niagara and the Toronto Shooting Stars for first place.
The Ohsweken Demons picked up a 20-7 victory and their sixth win of the season on Sunday after beating the last place Barrie Blizzard (1-7). CLAX scoring leader Wayne VanEvery led the Demons with five goals and four assists and will be relied upon to lead the offence on Wednesday in St. Catharines. Demon’s goalie Jeff Powless has a 5-1 record and 13.49 GAA this season and will need to play well for the Demons to compete versus Niagara’s dominant offensive threats.
The Demons and Lock Monsters have had strong power plays this season with both teams going (36/70) and leading the league in PP percentage. However, the Demons are leading the league in penalty kills at 61% and Niagara at only 44%. This could be a difference maker on Wednesday night.
In the last matchup between these two rivals, Niagara came out on top with a 17-14 victory. Look for a close game that will go down to the wire.
