It was a dream return to Erie for Bruce McDonald.
He was the hero for the Attack scoring 1:58 into overtime to lift his team to a 3-2 win over the Otters in his first game against his former team in Ontario Hockey League action Wednesday evening at Erie Insurance Arena.
The former Otter then hit the ice and slung a glove on the blade of his stick, lifting it high in the air while beaming and showing off the “selfie celly” as his teammates swarmed off the bench to celebrate the win.
“That was a moment I’ll cherish forever. It was a pretty surreal moment and I can’t wait to celebrate with the boys,” McDonald says.
It was a moment that had to feel good for McDonald, who earlier this month was a healthy scratch for the Attack in his hometown game in Ottawa.
The overage forward returned to the lineup last Friday in London and had a goal and assist. And now, the overtime hero in Erie — where he spent two seasons before being traded to the Attack ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Owen Sound (7-12-2-3) ended a four-game losing streak. Erie (13-7-3-1) lost its second straight.
The Attack led 2-1 after one. Tristan Delisle opened the scoring 8:48 in, taking a pass from Landen Hookey out front of the net and putting a shot over the right pad of Noah Erliden.
But the Otters would tie the game just over a minute later. Martin Misiak broke down the right-wing side and put a high shot past the glove of Matthew Koprowski. It was Teddy Bear Toss night in Erie, and the Misiak goal sent hundreds of stuffed animals flying onto the ice from the 4,200 fans in attendance.
The Attack would retake the lead before the end of the first. Antonio Tersigni put a shot that just got through Erliden to make it 2-1 at 16:22.
Erie scored the lone goal of the second, Gabriel Frasca on the power play at 13:16.
Then a scoreless third set up the extra frame, and the big moment for McDonald and the Attack.
Koprowski made 27 saves in the win, while Erliden stopped 27 taking the loss. The Attack outshot the Otters 30-29 while going 0 for 2 on the power play; Erie finished 1 for 4.
ATTACK FIND A WAY
The Attack had lost their last three games by one goal coming into Erie. That made Wednesday’s win that much more sweet. It was the 11th one goal game the Attack have played this season. They are now 2-4-3-2.