Tickets $10 as Erie Otters play Niagara IceDogs in Virgil on Friday night

Niagara-on-the-Lake sports fans will get the chance to see some high-flying, high-intensity major junior hockey this Friday when the Erie Otters play the Niagara IceDogs in a fundraising exhibition game in Virgil.

Holding the OHL preseason game in NOTL was the brainchild of Otters general manager Dave Brown, who lives in Virgil, and wanted to help raise money for the NOTL Minor Hockey Association – and give local fans the chance to see top-level hockey up close.

Peter Flynn, president of NOTL minor hockey, was ecstatic about the idea and has been looking forward to Friday night’s game for months.

He lauded Brown for “giving back” and offering to help out children’s hockey in NOTL.

As it turns out, Erie is scheduled to be the “home” team, even though the game is in the IceDogs’ backyard.

The two teams tangle again on Saturday night, at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines.

The puck drops in Virgil at 7 p.m. Friday and tickets at $10 each are available from Phil’s Independent Grocer.

Cash-only tickets will be available at the Meridian Credit Union Arena on game day.