Rivalry Weekend at the SSEC
Sting Overview
Following a tough road trip last weekend, the Sting seem to have righted the ship on Wednesday night as the club came up big with an overtime road win over the Owen Sound Attack. The win catapulted the Sting ahead of the Attack in the Conference Standings, where they currently maintain the 5th seed.
Rookie goaltender, Aidan Hughes (’99) recorded his first career OHL win, and Nikita Korostelev was the OT hero on Wednesday night.
This weekend, the Sting are home to the Flint Firebirds and the Saginaw Spirit; both of which are divisional rivals.
Friday’s game against the Firebirds will mark the first time in history that the club from Flint has visited the SSEC. On Friday night the Sting kick off their 2015 Movember campaign – aiming to raise awareness and funds for men’s health in Canada.
On Sunday night, the Sarnia Sting look to close out the weekend with a win against the Saginaw Spirit. Prior to puck drop on Sunday, the Sting will pay tribute to local veteran, Richard Cunningham at centre ice.
Tickets for both games can be purchased online here, by calling (519) 541-1717, or by visiting one of the club’s two Box Office locations (SSEC & Lambton Mall Satellite Box Office).
Sting Notes
Jakob Chychrun: The Sting alternate captain is currently tied for 8th in OHL scoring among defenceman with 11 points (3G, 8A) in 15 games.
Nikita Korostelev: Korostelev leads the Sting with 14 points (4G, 10A) in 15 games played. The Leafs’ prospect scored the OT winner on Wednesday.
Troy Lajeunesse: Lajeunesse leads the Sting with 8 goals on the year.
Aidan Hughes: Recorded his first career OHL win on Wednesday night in Owen Sound.
Josh Jacobs: 96-born defenceman, Josh Jacobs registered his first career OHL goal in Saturday’s loss to Erie. With an assist on Wednesday, the NJD prospect now has 8 points on the season.
Standings: Sting are currently 9-5-1-0 on the season, behind only the Windsor Spitfires in the West Division standings.
Friday, November 6, 2015 – Flint Firebirds (5-8-0-1) @ Sarnia Sting (9-5-1-0)
Puck Drop: 7:05 p.m.
After a strong start to the season, the Firebirds are riding a 5-game losing streak into Friday’s game. In game one of the season series, Will Bitten’s overtime hat-trick goal secured the win for the Firebirds. The Sting will look to return the favor on home ice.
Players to watch:
Will Bitten: Through 14 games this season, 98-born centreman, Will Bitten leads Flint in goals (7) and is tied for the team lead in points (16). The former first round OHL draft pick is a top prospect for the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.
Vili Saarijarvi: Last summer, Saarijarvi was selected 73rd overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the NHL Entry draft, and 9th overall in the CHL Import draft by the Flint Firebirds. Saarijarvi leads all OHL defenceman with 14 points (2G, 14A).
Sunday, November 8, 2015 – Saginaw Spirit (7-7-1-1) @ Sarnia Sting (9-5-1-0)
Puck Drop: 7:05 p.m.
Some believe the Spirit have underachieved thus far this season. That being said, they’ve managed a + .500 record and currently sit 3 points back of the Sting for 2nd in the OHL’s West Division. Sunday marks the first of 6 meetings between the two clubs this season.
Players to watch:
Dylan Sadowy: The San Jose Sharks prospect (2014, 3rd round) leads all Spirit skaters with 9 goals and 8 assists for a total of 17 points in his first 12 games. Last season Sadowy recorded 42 goals and 74 points.
Markus Niemelainen: The Finnish defenceman is second in team scoring with 13 points; all of which assists. The Spirit selected Niemelainen 18th overall in the 2015 CHL Import Draft.
