For the second consecutive season, an early-season showdown between the Erie Otters and Niagara IceDogs will carry added significance.
The Ontario Hockey League announced its second annual Rivalry Week schedule, once again pairing the Otters with their geographic rivals from Niagara in a home-and-home series.
The rivalry series is scheduled to take place from October 22-24 and will feature back-to-back contests between the familiar foes. The action begins on Thursday, October 22, when Erie travels across the border to face the IceDogs at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines.
Following an off day on Friday, the teams will conclude the weekend set on Saturday, October 24, when the IceDogs visit Erie Insurance Arena for a Saturday night matchup.
The rivalry produced plenty of excitement last season, with three of the six meetings requiring overtime. Erie posted a 2-1-2-1 record against Niagara during the season series, highlighting just how closely matched the clubs were.
The teams also squared off during the inaugural Rivalry Week in 2024, splitting the two-game set. The Otters earned a victory on home ice on October 17 before the IceDogs answered with an overtime win the following night in Niagara.