Eurolanche

Monsters victory in season opener

The Lake Erie Monsters open the season at home against the Oklahoma City Barons. Sami Aittokallio was given the start in net.  The first period was uneventful as both teams were held of the score sheet. The biggest event of the first period was a fight between the Monsters Ben Wilson and the Barons Dane Byers. The period ended with the Monsters leading the shot 12 to 10.

• Aittokallio´s fantastic debut

The Monsters struck early in the second period on a goal Bill Thomas at the 3:05 mark. Thomas was assisted on the goal by Thomas Pock and Brad Malone. The Barons would even up the game at 1-1 later in the second. Mark Arcobello would score for the Barons on a 5-3 power play after David van der Gulik was issued a delay of game penalty while trying to kill off Tyson Barrie’s interference penalty. The period concluded tied with the Monsters heading into the third with a power play. Shots were 24-21 in favor of the Monsters after two periods.

The third began with a Monsters power play which Oklahoma quickly killed off. The play went back forth for much period with both teams having chances. Both goaltenders played very well keep their respective teams in the game. Late in the third the Monsters broke the tie off a goal from Andrew Agozzino. Agozzino was assisted on the goal by Wilson. The game would end on a thrilling note as Mark Olver would take a late game penalty. The Barons would then pull their goalie Yann Danis with just over a min to go. With a 6-4 man advantage the Barons pressed only to be replied by the spectacular play of Aittokallio and the Monster penalty killers. Lake Erie would hang on to win the game 2-1. Aittokallio made 29 saves in his Monster debut. The Monsters and Barons will play again today at 1pm EST.