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OHL Sarnia Sting

Sting Down IceDogs

February 14, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Sarnia Sting News Release


By DAVE BORODY

The Sarnia Sting posted an important 5-4 victory over the Niagara IceDogs, Saturday night in front of 2,506 brave souls at the RBC Centre.

Up 5-2 with eight minutes remaining in the third period, Niagara scored a pair of goals, the second with just under two minutes to go in regulation time.

Coming off a tough 4-3 shootout loss in Guelph Friday night, Sting head coach Trevor Letowski wasn't sure what type of effort he would get from his shorthanded roster.

"I was real happy (with the effort tonight). That's a real good team over there. They've proved that lately with wins over Sault Ste. Marie and a couple against London. They came in here winning four straight. The can score goals as they showed."

"But it was a great effort on our part. We followed up the game in Guelph with a solid effort and it was a huge two points."

And it was the Sting youth that paved the way in the victory.

Rookie Jordan Kyrou scored a pair of goals and along side two more first-year players in Anthony Salinitri and Troy Lajeunesse, was Sarnia's best line.

"The three were really dangerous all night long," said Letowski. "They took over the game. They played with pace and showed real good chemistry. They are good friends off the ice as well. They had lots of energy and were the catalysts for the win."

During one shift in the second period, the Sting had six rookies on the ice. That included the threesome mentioned along with defencemen Jakob Chychrun and Alex Black, and goalie Justin Fazio.

Kyrou's two goals gives him 11 on the season. Other Sting goals went to Nikita Korostelev (18th), Chychrun (12th) and Noah Bushnell (8th). Korostelev, who leads the team in goals, also chipped in with two helpers while Daniel Nikandrov, who had another strong two-way effort, also had two assists.

Scoring for Niagara were Vince Dunn, Billy Jenkins, Anthony DiFruscia and Carter Verhaeghe.

The teams were tied 1-1 after the first period and 2-2 after the second.

The Sting finally connected with their power play, in fact a two-man advantage to go ahead 3-2 at 1:23 of period three when Chychrun knocked in a rebound.

Sarnia then scored a pair of goals at 7:09 and 7:46 to jump out to a 5-2 lead. Kryou snapped home a quick wrist shot from the slot while Korostelev poked home a loose puck from close range. That turned out to be the game winner.

Niagara scored at 12:16 and 18:03 to make it close, but Sarnia held on the rest of the way.

"We broke down a little late in the game," said Letowski. "Niagara has lots of offensive skill. We our a little fragile of late and our youth showed at times. But Justin Fazio held the fort for us."

Letowski praised Fazio for his performance saying it's not easy when you aren't playing a lot to face a strong team like Niagara.

The IceDogs finished with a 34-31 edge in shots on goal, including 12-5 in the third period. Brent Moran, who shutout the Sting earlier this season, took the loss.

Sarnia was one-for-three on the power play and Niagara zero-for-three.

The Sting will be home Monday afternoon for their annual Family Day match when they host the Western Conference leaders, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Game time is 2:05 p.m. at the RBC Centre.

Fans are reminded kids under 12 will be admitted for just $6. There will also be a special skate with the Sting players immediately following the game at no charge.

Next weekend the Sting will play three games in three days, including two at home. On Friday night the Sting host the Owen Sound Attack at 7:05 p.m., Sarnia travels to Plymouth Saturday night and return home Sunday to battle the London Knights beginning at 4:05 p.m.

Tickets for the remaining eight home games of the Sting in the regular season are on sale daily at the RBC Box Office, by calling 519-541-1717 or going online at Sarniasting.com

STING NOTES

- Kyrou was first star with Korostelev second star and Jenkins of Niagara third star.

- Sarnia again played with 16 skaters, two under the limit.

- The win improved Sarnia's overall record to 25-22-4-3 and their home record to 15-7-2-2.

- Sarnia remains tied with Owen Sound for sixth place in the Western Conference. Owen Sound has two games in hand. Sarnia is eight points ahead of Saginaw.

Dave Borody is a freelance writer who covers Sting games both home and away and also does features for the Sting Website.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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