Incze was ‘exciting to see’
Erie would in fact outshoot the IceDogs 15-2 over the final 23-plus minutes of action.
“It was fantastic,” Burke said. “Me and Ludzy (goaltending coach Ryan Ludzik) were watching very him close. He needed that for his confidence, and I think as a staff we needed to see that.
“We know what Incze is capable of, and I was talking to Billy (Niagara head coach Billy Burke) after the game and we expect him to get one of the nods (starts) this upcoming weekend and continue his play. It was very exciting to see.”
The IceDogs return home Thursday night to open a four-game homestand as the Mississauga Steelheads will provide the opposition. Game time at Meridian Centre is 7 p.m.
“We love our fans here in Niagara, and to return home and string together a few games, hopefully we can continue to put points on the board,” said Burke.
“It’s funny talking with the coaches we all know we’re kind of built to make a run, or big push, next year.
“So for the guys to have started as well as they have — it’s been fun to watch. We’ve got a very talented roster, but we are overachieving, and it’s extremely exciting to be a part of.”
’Dog Biscuits: The IceDogs currently sport the OHL’s third best penalty kill (90.0 per cent) and fourth best powerplay (26.1 per cent) … Ben Jones is tied for the league lead in powerplay goals with five, while Akil Thomas is tied for the lead in powerplay assists with six … Zach Shankar returned to the IceDogs lineup Saturday night after serving a four-game suspension … Burke did mention he’s still holding out hope that this year’s first round import draft pick (and Toronto Maple Leafs pick 2017 1st round pick) Timothy Liljegren could report to Niagara. Liljegren has one goal and two assists in four games with the Leafs AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies … Niagara natives Christian Girhiny and Carson Edwardson were held off the scoresheet for the Otters Saturday night.
It’s been a reunion of sorts for Marty Williamson and Mack Lemmon.
Williamson, the newly named head coach of the Brock Badgers Men’s Hockey team, once coached Lemmon while in charge of the Niagara IceDogs organization.
Afewyearslaterthetwoaretogether again. And that comfort level has produced a great start for Lemmon.
The tenacious forward has played arguably the two best games of his university hockey career in the past week, including scoring once and adding an assist in Brock’s 4-3 home opener shootout loss to the York Lions Saturday night at the SeymourHannah Centre.
“Marty treated me great in Niagara. That was probably my favourite year in the O (OHL),” explained Lemmon who scored twice and added two helpers over the first 41 games of his Badgers career.
“He’s a great coach. I learned a lot. I reached out him when he got hired here, and sent him an email welcoming him to the team.”
Lemmon, an Aurora Ontario native, scored seven goals and added five assists under Williamson in parts of two seasons with the IceDogs.
The new Badgers bench boss has been impressed with what he sees from Lemmon, and how their past relationship has helped in his transition to Brock.
“It’s been great,” said Williamson when asked about the reunion of sorts with Lemmon.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for how he plays the game. He plays it hard, some big body checks out there, and I really think he’s had two fantastic games (to start the season) for us. I can’t be happier with him, and obviously having a relationship with him in the past — there’s a comfort level for both of us.”
Lemmon would open the scoring Saturday as Brock took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound winger would then assist on the Badgers second goal giving the homeside a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes of play.
Brock would in fact go up 3-1 just 38 seconds into the third period, but the Lions showed why they’re the defending Ontario University Athletic champions storming back to tie things on