Windsor - Oct. 8, 2021: Over 2950 fans were treated to the Windsor Spitfires return into the post-pandemic era, with fifty percent seating capacity and much like their effort in game 1 of the regular season hosting the Sarnia Sting in a 6-3 loss.
The Spitfires started strong and outshot the Sting in the first period 15-8 however found themselves down 2-0 on the scoreboard. Both goals for the Sting came fast and furious into the first 6 minutes of the contest. The Stings goaltender Benjamin Gaudreau, an NHL draft pick of the San Jose Sharks, kept the momentum on Sarnia’s side. Gaudreau a Corbeil, Ontario native made some key saves and stopped all 15 shots in the first period.
In the second period the Sting were undisciplined, sending the Spitfires on the power play, where they capitalized twice, netting the twine to draw even with Sarnia 2-2. Both goals scored by right winger Pasquale Zito, providing much energy to the WFCU crowd in attendance. The Sting quickly regained the lead 3-2 with a goal by Sarnia’s Nolan Burke.
The third period seen the Sting score three unanswered goals until Spitfires, Ethan Miedema scored the final goal of the contest leading to a 6-3 Spitfires loss in the home opener. Going into the new season and post pandemic era the Spitfires have many rookies on the roster. Game one seen miscues from both rookie defenseman Bronson Ride and Nicholas DeAngelis, leading to turnovers and goals by the Sting. It’s only one game into a long season and some positives to take from game one was the Spitfires power play. The Spitfires roster of 10 new players will take time to gain chemistry and it’s much too early into the season for panic.
The Windsor Spitfires will travel to Sarnia tomorrow night, October 8th to play the Sting at Progressive Auto Sales Arena and puck drop is at 7:05 pm. The Spitfires will play the Sting a total of 10 times this season, in the battle of the West Division.
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