Hounds offense explodes in Erie

The Soo Greyhounds continue to play at the top of their game down the Ontario Hockey League stretch run.

On Saturday night in Erie, the Greyhounds built a 4-0 lead and converted on three of six power play opportunities in a 7-2 win over the Otters.

The win is the Hounds' second in as many games on a three-game road swing that concludes on Sunday afternoon in Brampton against the Battalion at 2 p.m.

Cody Thornton led the Hounds offense with two goals while singles went to Josh Godfrey, Chris MacKinnon, David Kuchejda, Brandon Biggers and Brandon MacLean.

Jiri Tlusty picked up four assists on the night while Godfrey added two. Kuchejda also set up a goal for a multi point game.

Matt Hache made the start in goal for the Hounds, who led 2-0 after one period and 4-1 after two, and stopped 18 of 20 shots for the win. Hache also recorded an assist on Biggers' third period goal.

With the win, the Hounds move into a tie for sixth place in the western conference with the Sarnia Sting.

Following Sunday's game in Brampton, the Greyhounds return to the Steelback Cantre to begin a three-game homestand on Wednesday against the Sudbury Wolves. Face off time is 7 p.m.

*** GAME SUMMARY:

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 7 at Erie Otters 2 Tullio Arena

1st Period

Scoring 1. Sault Ste. Marie, J. Godfrey (22) (J. Tlusty) 13:01 PP 2. Sault Ste. Marie, C. MacKinnon (4) (M. Lyall) 16:20

Penalties - B. Good Ssm (roughing) 10:22, J. Hodgman Er (tripping) 12:45, J. Tlusty Ssm (hooking) 19:18

2nd Period

Scoring 3. Sault Ste. Marie, D. Kuchejda (15) (J. Tlusty, J. Godfrey) 5:22 4. Sault Ste. Marie, C. Thornton (26) (J. Tlusty, J. Godfrey) 6:27 PP 5. Erie, K. Geoffrey (13) (M. Forbes, J. Hodgman) 16:08

Penalties - M. Liambas Er (cross checking) 5:33, A. Peluso Er (interference) 6:10, F. Grzeszczak Er (hooking) 10:15, B. Good Ssm (hooking) 13:41

3rd Period

Scoring 6. Sault Ste. Marie, B. Biggers (4) (J. Lalonde, M. Hache) 10:02 7. Sault Ste. Marie, C. Thornton (27) (D. Jeffrey, J. Tlusty) 11:42 PP 8. Erie, S. Polodna (8) (R. Rogers) 12:42 PP 9. Sault Ste. Marie, B. MacLean (13) (B. Halstead, D. Kuchejda) 18:43

Penalties - S. Polodna Er (interference) 5:54, M. Liambas Er (slashing) 10:41, B. Biggers Ssm (cross checking) 12:21, B. Good Ssm (roughing) 12:21, J. Skellett Er (roughing) 12:21

SSM Shots: 16 19 14 TOTAL: 49 ER Shots: 10 5 5 TOTAL: 20

Power Play Conversion Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 3-6. Erie Otters 1-4.

Goaltenders

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Hache 5-4-0-3 Min: 60:00 SV: 18 GA: 2 [W]

Erie Otters Laniel 3-14-0-0 Min: 60:00 SV: 42 GA: 7 [L]

Start : 7:37 PM End : 9:49 PM Attendance : 4200

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