Dobben hat trick leads Hounds to sixth straight win

Scott Dobben scored three goals as the Soo Greyhounds continued to roll with their sixth consecutive victory.

Dobben's empty net goal with 15 seconds remaining in the game sealed a 6-3 Ontario Hockey League win over the Kingston Frontenacs on Sunday afternoon in front of 2,452 fans at Memorial Gardens.

Tyler Kennedy also had an outstanding game for the Greyhounds as his speed and work ethic provided the team with a goal and two assists.

Matt Puntureri scored a goal and an assist while Matt Maccarone scored the other Greyhound goal. Jeff Larsh and Michael Krelove added two assists each while goaltender Kevin Druce assisted on Dobben's empty net goal.

"Kennedy was dominating out there today and he has really been playing well for us. I thought the line of Maccarone, Krelove and Puntureri did an excellent job of shutting down (Anthony) Stewart's line," said Soo Greyhounds head coach Marty Abrams.

Tony Rizzi and Bobby Hughes led the Frontenacs attack with a goal and assist each while Nick Van Herpt scored once.

The Greyhounds came out of the gate flying in what looked like an extension of Friday night's third period surge against Oshawa.

By the 10:28 mark of the first period, the Greyhounds held a 3-0 lead and chased Kingston's starting goaltender Dayne Davis from the game.

"We were a little worried after the first period with the 3-0 lead. Denny (Lambert) said it best during the intermission that with all his experience as a player, a 3-0 lead after the first period was a tough spot to be in. A team might have the tendency to ease up and that is a dangerous spot to be in," said Abrams.

With the win, the Greyhounds improve to 7-4-1 and sit alone in first place in the OHL's west division with 15 points, one point ahead of the Plymouth Whalers, who beat Brampton 4-3 on Sunday afternoon, and two ahead of the idle Sarnia Sting.

The Greyhounds outshot the Frontenacs 30-22.

The win was especially sweet for Abrams, who was once employed as a scout with the Frontenacs.

"This one really did mean a lot to me. I talked to (assistant coaches) Terry (Barbeau) and Denny before the game about keeping an eye on me and making sure that I don't over coach because I do know (Kingston) so well," said Abrams.

The Greyhounds play three games in three days on the road beginning Friday in Kitchener at 7:30 p.m. The Hounds then play the Toronto St. Michael's Majors on Saturday at 2 p.m. before meeting the Guelph Storm next Sunday at 2 p.m.

The next home game for the Greyhounds is Wednesday, October 29 against Sarnia at 7 p.m. at Memorial Gardens.

In other OHL games on Sunday, Sudbury blanked Oshawa 3-0, Peterborough edged Mississauga 5-4, Erie shutout Ottawa 2-0, Toronto beat London 3-2 and Windsor nipped Saginaw 4-3.