ERIE – The Guelph Storm couldn't recover from a poor start Saturday, falling 4-2 on the road to the Erie Otters.
The Otters jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the game's opening 10:47, which included a power play goal.
The Storm played a much better second period, outshooting Erie 15-8 and scoring the lone goal of the period, a Parker Snelgrove tally with 1:03 left in the period.
Charlie Paquette was stopped on a penalty shot midway through that second period by Otters netminder Noah Erliden, who made 40 saves on the night. Brayden Gillespie had 21 saves in net for Guelph.
The two teams exchanged goals in the third period, with Paquette scoring for Guelph.
Guelph is tied for last in the Western Conference with the Owen Sound Attack, entering the night six points out of a playoff spot.
Guelph had call-ups Jimmy Sutherland and Lucas Teixeira in the lineup, with Tommy Budnick and Jake Karabela still out with injuries and Jett Luchanko at the World Juniors.
The Storm plays in Owen Sound Monday night and in Windsor on Thursday. Next home game is Friday against Owen Sound.
