Sztuska Stops 45 as Petes Fall 3-1 at Home to Spirit
After a forgettable night in Oshawa on Friday, the Peterborough Petes looked to turn the page as they hosted the Saginaw Spirit for Bell Let’s Talk night at the PMC. Peterborough would welcome back 2023 OHL Champion Owen Beck, who was traded to the Spirit in return for Aiden Young and picks at the trade deadline. Young would also be facing his former team for the first time, getting the start alongside Captain Jonathan Melee and Braydon McCallum. Liam Sztuska was back in net after getting Friday night off. Stuska would be looking to show off his .908 save percentage (4th in the OHL) against the Memorial Cup hosts.
Looking sharp in their new thirds, the Petes took the ice with something to prove after last night’s loss. The Maroon and White had a couple big chances early, highlighted by an Aiden Young breakaway that went just wide. Unfortunately for the Petes, penalty trouble would haunt them once again. At the 13:45 mark of the period, Anaheim Ducks prospect Rodwin Dionicio beat Sztuska on the power play to put the Spirit up 1-0. Unfazed by the goal, Sztuska would come up huge on multiple occasions to finish the period, stopping 17/18 shots after one. After 20 minutes, the Spirit led by a score of 1-0.
The second period would carry on right where the first left off, a very physical, spirited affair. With both teams fighting hard, neither would show any weakness in the defensive zone. Halfway through the frame, on the power play, the Petes finally broke through. On a breakout, Chase Lefebvre blew by the Spirit defender, firing a perfectly placed shot to beat Saginaw goaltender Andrew Oke and tie the game up. Neither team would be able to take the lead in the final few minutes, and the third period started at one goal a piece.
It was a very tight third period, keeping the sold out PMC crowd on the tips of their seats. Unfortunately for Peterborough, Saginaw’s second ranked power play would prove too much, and the Spirit took the lead with five minutes remaining in the game. They would add an empty netter late, and win the game by a score of 3-1.
Liam Sztuska led the way for the Petes, stopping 45/47 in the loss. Chase Lefebvre scored the lone Peterborough goal, while Tommy Purdeller and Cam Gauvreau picked up the assists.
The Petes are back in action on Thursday, January 25 when they host Sam Mayer and the Ottawa 67’s. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at the PMC. Fans can get tickets by clicking here or by visiting the Grant Thornton Box Office. The game will also be broadcasted on YourTV Peterborough and Freq 90.5.