ST. CATHARINES (Interstat) — The Niagara IceDogs will host the Erie Otters in a minor league hockey game Friday at Meridian Centre. Erie enters with a 5-6 record. The Otters dropped their most recent game 7-1 to London after a 3-1 loss to the Soo Greyhounds. Erie has also posted a 3-2 home win against Barrie, a 4-3 shootout win at London and an 8-6 win at Kingston this season. Niagara is 6-5. The IceDogs won their most recent game 5-4 at North Bay after a 5-2 loss at Kitchener and a 5-4 overtime loss to the Soo Greyhounds. Niagara also has a 4-2 home win against Barrie and a 2-1 overtime home win against Ottawa.

Ty Henry is the player to watch for Erie. In his most recent game, Henry scored one goal and recorded three shots on goal. He had one assist and one shot in the previous game, and he has recorded multiple shots in several recent contests, including three against Barrie, three against Ottawa and four at Kingston. Kayden Edwards had one assist and two shots in Erie’s most recent game, while Tyler Cooper added one assist and one shot. Erie’s most recent win was a 3-2 home decision against Barrie. The Otters also have a 4-3 overtime loss to Kitchener and a 5-1 win at Guelph this season.

Wil McFadden is the player to watch for Niagara. McFadden scored two goals and recorded four shots on goal in the IceDogs’ most recent win. He had two assists in the previous game and one assist in each of the two games before that, giving him six points over his past four games. Ryerson Edgar had one goal, one assist and three shots in Niagara’s latest game, and Jared Langdon recorded two assists. Niagara’s most recent win followed a 5-2 loss at Kitchener. The IceDogs also have a 2-1 overtime win at Barrie, a 5-2 win at Flint and a 4-1 home win against Brampton Steelheads this season.

The teams will meet at Meridian Centre. Erie has lost its past two games, and Niagara won its most recent game. Erie has scored eight goals in a game this season and has allowed seven goals in a game. Niagara has scored five goals in a game twice this season and has allowed seven goals in a game. Both teams have played several one-goal and overtime games this season. Erie is scheduled to host Niagara in its next game.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a final score of Niagara 4, Erie 2.