Monday Morning Buzz: Sting Offense Explodes for 13 Goals this Past Weekend

Two games, two wins. It was a strong weekend for the Sarnia Sting.

On Saturday night, the Sting hosted the Kingston Frontenacs in the first of two weekend games at Progressive Auto Sales Arena.

In a display of perseverance and teamwork, the Sting powered back from an early two-goal deficit. Hugo Leufvenius and Adam Ruzicka led the way with two goals apiece. For Leufvenius, they were his first goals in the Ontario Hockey League. Since joining the Sting for his first full season in North America, Leufvenius has shown to be of outstanding value as Sarnia’s latest find in the CHL Import Draft.

Veteran forwards Drake Rymsha and Jordan Ernst would also score for the Sting in the 6-2 victory.

For a full recap of the game, click here, and check out the video highlights below.

 

On Sunday afternoon, the Ottawa 67’s were in town. This time, the Sting controlled the play from start to finish. Aidan Hughes was in goal for his first start of the season. Combine some timely saves from Hughes and a whole lot of goals, and there was much to like in Sarnia’s 7-2 win.

Ernst would contribute two more goals on the day, giving him three for the weekend and four on the season. Second-year forward Brady Hinz also scored his first two goals of the season.

Ryan McGregor, Rymsha, and new team captain Jordan Kyrou chipped in on the scoresheet, too. It’s becoming very clear that skilled forwards are going to be a major strength of this year’s group.

For the full report on Sunday’s victory over Ottawa, click here.

Sting Says

Jordan Kyrou spoke of his experience at St. Louis Blues camp following the Sting’s 6-2 win over Kingston on Saturday night.

“I was there a lot longer this time. I got to play four games. It’s just learning the game and learning the right way to play. Winning my battles and being hard on my stick, that’s what I really learned about a lot. I’ll work on that throughout the year.”

On being named captain of the Sting:

“I think I just have to keep the right mindset. We have a lot of leaders on this team, and we all know how to carry ourselves. It’s an honour to be captain.”

On his leadership style:

“It’s the way I carry myself as a player. I’ve matured a lot over the last few years. The way I play on the ice is the way I try to lead. It’s lead by example, but I’m also vocal with the guys. I’m focused on doing what I can to help the team win every night.”

Alumni Updates

♦ Jeff King and Nikita Korostelev have been released from camp with the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies. King finished last season with the East Coast Hockey League’s Orlando Solar Bears. Korostelev was a draft pick of Toronto in 2015. The Marlies played two preseason games against Rochester this past weekend.

♦ Charlie Sarault has 5 points in 3 games to start the season for ESV Kaufbeuren in Germany’s DEL2.

♦ Ryan Spooner is “looking like a new player” for the Boston Bruins.

♦ Alexander Galchenyuk and the Montreal Canadiens’ offense is coming alive.

♦ Ryan Kujawinski is joining the Binghamton Senators.

Sting Stats & Team Leaders

Points: Drake Rymsha (8)

Goals: Jordan Ernst (4)

Assists: Drake Rymsha (5)

Plus/Minus: Theo Calvas (+7)

Shots on Goal: Adam Ruzicka (17)

Penalty Minutes: Theo Calvas (6)

Up Next

This week, the Sting have three games spread out over five days. The Sting play their second road game of the season on Wednesday, October 4 in Owen Sound.

Back in Sarnia on Friday night, October 6, the Sting will host Barrie at Progressive Auto Sales Arena. The Colts will come into town led by their high-flying line of Alexey Lipanov, Kirill Nizhnikov, and Andrei Svechnikov.

Then on October 9, it’s time for a Thanksgiving Monday game. The Hamilton Bulldogs will visit the Sting for a 2:00 PM start.

 

Tickets for all Sting home games can be purchased at the box office or by clicking here.