Jonathan Maillet For The Journal
The Sarnia Sting were on the road in Saginaw Saturday night to take on the Saginaw Spirit at the Dow Event Center — a game that saw the Spirit come out on top 2-1, and the Sting record move to 1-1-0 on the season.
Andrew Oke stopped 24 of 25 shots in the win for Saginaw and was named third star of the game, while Sting goalie Nick Surzycia would turn away 28 on 30. Saginaw’s Joey Willis was the game’s second star with a goal, and Jacob Cloutier was named the first star, also with a goal.
Saginaw scored first, with Willis picking up his first of the season 9:38 into the second period; Hunter Haight and Calem Mangone with the assists. The Spirit would strike again, just over two minutes later when Cloutier scored his first, assisted by Valentin Zhugin and Luke McNamara to put Saginaw in front 2-0.
The Sting would cut the lead to 2-1 before the end of the second period, with Tyson Doucette scoring his third goal of the season; assists went to Sean Doherty and Roman Kukumberg.
Neither offense would find the back of the net in the third period, and the Spirit would hold on for the 2-1 win.
Both teams had the penalty kill working; Sarnia came up empty on four chances, while the Spirit were unable to convert on two opportunities.
Shots were 30-25 in favour of the Spirit.
Sarnia returns home for a pair of games this week. Wednesday night the Sting will host the Kitchener Rangers, while the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds come to the Progressive Auto Sales Arena Saturday night. Both games are scheduled for a 7:05 p.m. start.
Sarnia finishes the weekend on the road in Windsor, Sunday afternoon at 4:05 p.m.
Tickets are available online at sarniasting.com and at the box office.