67's Clinch Home Ice In Cakewalk Over Sudbury

The Ottawa 67’s ended Paul Fixter’s tenure as coach in Sudbury with a 7-0 win this year and on Sunday, they took out the Wolves again, ending the franchise’s worst season since 1968. 

In the process of winning 6-0, the 67’s sealed home ice advantage in round one against a Niagara team that is nearly unbeatable on home ice.

“We had a bit of a lull but it was a pretty good 60 minutes that gives us a confidence boost going into the playoffs,” said Jeff Brown. 

Sudbury hasn’t had a lot of success since beating Ottawa in the 2011 playoffs.  With 26 points on the year, they barely surpass the 22 points they picked up in their inaugural season.

“They’ve got great ownership and management, and I have no doubt they’ll turn things around,” added Brown, who played his entire OHL career in Sudbury. 

Nathan Todd, needing a hattrick to hit the 20-goal plateau, potted two in the first 22 minutes of the game, but just failed to reach 20.

“It’s not like I didn’t have the chances,” joked Todd.  “I probably could’ve got (Dante Salituro) the puck a couple more times.  Everyone played it safe today, it was a good game.”

Jeremiah Addison fell just short of the 20-goal mark as well, scoring his 19th midway through the second.

Liam Herbst only had to make nine stops in the final 40 minutes to seal the shutout, while Trent Mallette, Jake Middleton and Ben Fanjoy each scored.

Ex-67 Jonathan Duchesne finished the night a -3, while Evan deHaan, the player they received in return for Duchesne, is expected back for game one against Niagara.

Ottawa is home to the IceDogs on Thursday and Saturday for games one and two. 

“They’re a heck of a team in Niagara and we’re going to have to be at our best,” said Brown.

Game sheet here.