KITCHENER, Ontario — The Erie Otters improved to 2-0 to begin the season Friday, holding off the Kitchener Rangers 4-3 in the first game of a home-and-home series between the Midwest Division rivals.
Erie carried the momentum from its season-opening 5-1 road win at Guelph into the opening period. Ty Henry opened the scoring on the power play with his first goal of the season, and Lucas Ambrosio added an even-strength goal later in the period to give the Otters a 2-0 lead.
Erie finished the opening period with six shots, while Kitchener recorded seven.
The Otters extended their lead in the second period when Liam Beamish scored with 16 minutes remaining in the frame. It was Beamish’s first goal of the season and the 26th of his Otters career.
Kitchener answered when Charlie Puglisi scored after coming out of the penalty box, cutting the Erie lead to 3-1. The Otters carried the two-goal advantage into the second intermission despite Kitchener holding a 20-15 edge in shots through two periods.
Beamish scored again early in the third period, finishing from close range for his second goal of the night and giving Erie a 4-1 lead.
The Rangers refused to go quietly. Luca Santala scored a shorthanded goal with just over nine minutes remaining to make it 4-2, and Luca Romano added a power-play goal with two minutes left to pull Kitchener within one.
Kitchener continued to pressure the Otters in the closing minutes, but Erie kept the Rangers off the scoreboard to secure the 4-3 victory.
Kitchener finished with a 29-23 advantage in shots in the third period. David Egorov made 15 saves in goal for Erie.
The Otters return home Saturday to complete the home-and-home series with Kitchener in their 2026 home opener at Erie Insurance Arena.
Fan Fest will begin at 2 p.m. on the front lawn of the arena. The first 5,000 fans through the doors will receive an Otters Rally Towel.
Discover more from UC Today Online
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
