Game Preview: Sting Welcome a Familiar Face as they host the Batallion
The surging Sarnia Sting play host to the North Bay Batallion this Sunday night on home ice at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena. As of writing, the Batallion come to town with a 3-14 record, which is 2nd last in the OHL. The Sting enter this contest as winners of 8 of their last 9, with their most recent victory coming last night against the Soo Greyhounds in a high scoring affair.
North Bay will play their third game in as many nights tomorrow against the Sting, having faced London on Friday night and are currently playing in Windsor. The Sting will have to take advantage of that if they look to get off to a good start on Sunday afternoon.
Fast Facts
With a win on Friday night, the Sting moved to .500 for the first time this season. Having won 8 of their last 9, the Sting will look to move above the .500 mark for the first time since early last season.
The Sting have been an offensive powerhouse as of late, with last night being the fourth game of the last six where they’ve managed to score 7 or more goals. The Sting currently have 78 goals for, which is good for 4th in the OHL.
Players to Watch – Sarnia Sting
Sean Josling – Ever since the Sting turned their season around after an 0-7 start; Sean Josling has been on a mission. With 2 goals and an assist on Friday night against the Greyhounds, Josling doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. He currently sits 4th in the OHL with 34 points in 16 games. The overage forward will surely smash his previous career high of 52 points if he keeps up his rapid pace.
Passing Perfection.
A beautiful tic-tac- Goal From .@seanjosling gives the boys a 2-1 lead in the 1st! #MoreThanAGame pic.twitter.com/qCZEpZJ4G9— Sarnia Sting (@StingHockey) November 2, 2019
Eric Hjorth – The Sting’s 1st round selection in the 2019 CHL Import Draft has quietly put together a very impressive start to his OHL career. With 14 points in 16 games, Hjorth has adapted well to the North American style of play. The Swedish blueliner will look to continue his great start against a Batallion team that struggles to keep the puck out of their net.
Players to Watch – North Bay Batallion
Mitchell Russell – The 2001 born right winger has had a great start to his 2019/20 OHL season, having contributed 15 points in 17 games; especially considering he only had 11 points all of last season. Russell has seen a promotion to the top 6 following the very noticeable hole in the lineup left by graduating Justin Brazeau. Russell is a speedy and shifty skater who can leave defenders in the dust if they aren’t careful.
Hustlin’ on the rush ????#BattleTogether | @MitchRussell_ pic.twitter.com/zU4agiQMw3
— North Bay Battalion (@OHLBattalion) November 9, 2019
Nick Grima – The former Sting defender makes his return to Sarnia in tomorrow afternoon’s matchup; having been traded to North Bay as the Sting had to too many overage players. As Sting fans know, Grima is a great puck moving blueliner who provides a lot in the offensive end of the ice. Despite only having 4 assists since joining his new team, Grima has had his fair share of chances. All eyes will be on Grima during the game tomorrow afternoon as he is surely missed by the community here in Sarnia.
The puck drops on the first of two meetings between these teams tomorrow afternoon at 4:05pm. Be sure to be in your seats early though, as we pay tribute to those who have given us the opportunity to play and watch the game we love as we conduct our Remembrance Day ceremony. Secure your seats to any upcoming Sarnia Sting home games by calling the Mainstreet Credit Union Sarnia Sting Box Office by calling 519 541 1717 or shop online here.
