Jonathan Maillet For the Journal
The Kitchener Rangers improved to 3-0-0 on the season, after downing the Sarnia Sting 3-1 at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena, Wednesday night. Sarnia falls to 1-2-0 on the season with the loss.
Kitchener would take a 2-1 lead into the third period, and add an empty-netter in the final minute to remain undefeated this season.
Carson Rehkopf and Adrian Misaljevic led the way for the Rangers with a goal and an assist each. Rehkopf was named the game’s first star, while Misaljevic was named third star.
Sting goalie Nick Surzycia was named the game’s second star, making 23 saves on 25 shots, and some great displays of athleticism. Surzycia kept the Sting within striking distance, despite the Sting being outshot 26-16.
Sting rookie James Barr scored his first career OHL goal, which brought the Sting within a goal, cutting Kitchener's lead to 2-1 late in the second. Sandas Vilmanis and Mitch Young had the assists.
Kitchener held their 2-1 lead until the late stages of the third period, when Rangers rookie Luke Elinas scored into the empty net, for his first career OHL goal.
Sarnia struggled on the powerplay, coming up empty on six chances, while the Rangers scored once on two opportunities.
The game marked the second annual ‘Lions Night’ – a partnership with Lambton College that saw players in blue, limited-edition Lambton Lions jerseys.
The Sting are back in action at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena Friday night, when divisional rivals, the Soo Greyhounds come to town.
The Greyhounds were in action Wednesday as well, as they played host to the London Knights. Sault Ste Marie needed a shootout to extend their undefeated record for the season to 3-0-0.
Jack Beck scored the lone goal of the shootout in the third round to give the Soo Greyhounds the 3-2 win.
Tickets are available online at sarniasting.com or at the box office. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m. Friday night.