Monday Morning Buzz: Week One, September 25
Welcome to Monday Morning Buzz. Throughout the season, this will be your home for everything you need to know when it comes to Sarnia Sting hockey. Each week, we will be providing recaps, previews, alumni updates, look ahead to community events, and more.
Let’s get started.
On Friday night, the Sting opened their season with a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over the Guelph Storm. Anthony Salinitri scored Sarnia’s first goal of the season, pouncing on a rebound in front of the Guelph goal. Drake Rymsha and Connor Schlichting also scored in regulation for the Sting.
In the shootout, Salinitri and Rymsha both found the back of the net, and goaltender Justin Fazio was able to lock up the win. For a full recap of the game, click here, and check out the video highlights below.
On Saturday night, the Sting hosted their home opener at Progressive Auto Sales Arena. Though the team did fall to the Kitchener Rangers by a final score of 3-1, it was a closely contested battle.
Jordan Ernst scored Sarnia’s lone goal of the game, firing a one-timer into the top corner. Rymsha was excellent once again, setting up numerous scoring chances, including Ernst’s goal. When it comes to sacrificing the body, Rymsha continues to show his fearless nature, with a big time shot block during a second period penalty kill. Our full recap of the home opener can be viewed here.
Sting Says
This is where we’ll be highlighting the best quotes from members of the Sting. General manager Nick Sinclair recently took part in his annual September sit-down with YourTV Cogeco’s Terry Doyle. Here’s what Sinclair had to say on this season’s rookie class.
“There’s a lot of character in all of our rookies. Looking at our 16-year-olds, Jamieson Rees, Brayden Guy, and Colton Kammerer were all captains of their teams last year. Alex Hogue, too, played with major midgets throughout last season and had a great year with a lot of experience to draw on. That group of guys right there, we’re excited about where we think they can be moving forward. Especially as they get some games under their belt, they’re really going to take some great steps. I’ve had a number of the veteran guys come up to me and say the chemistry top to bottom from the young guys to the old guys is some of the best since they’ve been here. It seems to be effortless, too. That’s exciting.”
Alumni Updates
♦ Jeff King is currently in camp with the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies. King finished last season with the East Coast Hockey League’s Orlando Solar Bears. Nikita Korostelev is also in Marlies camp. Korostelev was a draft pick of Toronto in 2015.
♦ Pavel Zacha is looking to make his mark with the New Jersey Devils this season.
♦ Anthony DeAngelo is looking for a spot on the New York Rangers’ blueline.
♦ Alexandre Renaud is joining the CIS McGill Redmen.
♦ Reid Boucher and Nikolay Goldobin are looking to be full-time Vancouver Canucks.
♦ Kevin Spinozzi is joining the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins’ training camp.
Community Events
The Sting will be holding a news conference on Friday, September 28 at Lambton Mall. Join us at 11:00 AM for an exciting organizational announcement.
Up Next
The Kingston Frontenacs and Ottawa 67’s are making an early western swing next weekend.
On Saturday night, the Sting will host the Fronts, who are coming of a 2-0 opening weekend. Kingston is led up front by Dallas Stars pick Jason Robertson and new team captain Ted Nichol. In goal, Jeremy Helvig returns for another season.
It will be a quick turnaround for the Sting, as they will then get set to host the 67’s on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM. Ottawa split their first two games of the season, and will be led offensively by a former member of the Sting in Sasha Chmelevski.
Tickets for all Sting home games can be purchased at the box office or by clicking here.
