Owen Flores was at it again for the Niagara IceDogs Sunday.

The 20-year-old goaltender, who has been a model of consistency and brilliance this season, turned back 43 shots as the IceDogs held off the Brantford Bulldogs 4-3 in Ontario Hockey League action in St. Catharines.

Flores was at his best with the game on the line in the third period, allowing only one goal as the Bulldogs outshot the IceDogs by a whopping 16-4 margin in the final frame.

“I felt great, especially with the rivalry down the road,” Flores said. “We play them a lot and every game matters so we take it seriously.” 

Flores has stepped up his game in his overage season.

“I think it’s kind of just time. Goalies take a little longer to develop. Obviously in the first few years you’re just getting used it and then when you’re in your third and fourth and maybe fifth year, everything seems a little slower,” he said.

The IceDogs took a 4-2 lead into the third period and held on as the Bulldogs pressed and finally got to within one with eight seconds remaining.

“I thought we got on our heels when we had that two-goal lead and we slipped there a little bit as far as putting games back-to-back together. We forgot what it was like to hold on to the lead, and then we got on our heels too much and relied on Owen,” IceDogs coach Ben Boudreau said.

Flores, who was making his 17th straight start, improved his record to 14-7-2.

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