OHL Sarnia Sting

Sting Weather the Storm & Capture 2 PTS

January 10, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Sarnia Sting News Release


When Jakob Chychrun was asked if he is an offensive defenceman or a defensive defenceman, the 16 year-old paused for a moment and then answered the question like a mature 19 year-old.

"I like to focus on all areas on the ice. I consider myself a two-way defenceman, as the defensive zone is just as important as the offensive zone. I also like to go with the puck when the opportunity arises and score goals."

The budding superstar scored another highlight-reel goal, helping the Sarnia Sting post a 5-3 victory over a stubborn Guelph Storm team, Saturday night in front of 2,715 fans at the RBC Centre.

Since returning from injury where he missed 20 games, Chychrun has five goals in seven games to give him eight on the season to go along with eight assists.

His goal, Sarnia's fifth of the game came 40 seconds after Guelph had cut the Sting lead to a goal and were coming on strong.

Chychrun took the puck in his own end, skated through the Guelph team and chipped the puck over the goalie.

And he doesn't turn 17 until the end of March.

"I'm not trying to be a hero every night, (he scored the winning goal against Erie with 2.7 seconds left). If I see an opportunity to go with the puck I will take it."

Earlier in the day Chychrun was named an assistant captain of the Sting, something almost unheard of for a 16 year-old.

"It doesn't change much. The coaching staff told me don't do anything different. I want to work as hard as I can both at school and on the ice."

But head coach Trevor Letowski knows what a talented player the Sting has in Chychrun.

"He's a special kid and a very unique player. The coaching staff put a lot of thought into the decision to make him an assistant captain. I know Connor McDavid had one when he was 16. For us it doesn't matter how long Jakob has played. His approach to the game, his work ethic and his leadership on this team already makes him special."

As for the game itself, the Sting were outshot 39-32 and probably outplayed overall, but as the coach put it, "We found a way to win."

"It certainly wasn't pretty. Justin Fazio was probably the difference as he made some big stops while Jakob came up with a big individual effort. His goal was huge in the third period."

"You are going to have nights like this. We didn't execute well and weren't sharp in our own end. We were coming off a very emotional win against Erie and there was a bit of a letdown. But it's a good sign that we still found a way to win."

The win was the first against Guelph in almost three years. They are defending Ontario Hockey League champions.

"We haven't seen them yet this year so we really didn't know what to expect. Obviously they aren't the same team as last year, but they are still a pretty good hockey team. They play with a lot of pace."

Davis Brown scored two goals giving him 13 on the season while Daniel Nikandrov scored his 11th and Noah Bushnell, his 6th, added singles. Kevin Spinozzi had a pair of assists.

Jason Dickinson, Tyler Bertuzzi and Luke Cairns scored for Guelph.

Fazio, who made his first start in almost a month, made several outstanding saves, especially in the second period. Fazio had a bit of luck on his side as Guelph hit five goal posts.

The Sting chased starting goalie Justin Nichols, scoring three goals on just seven shots in 13 minutes. Bradley Van Schubert played the rest of the way.

After Guelph opened the scoring just over two minutes into the game, the Sting scored three times to hold a 3-1 advantage after 20 minutes, and increased the lead to 4-1 four minutes into period two.

But Guelph scored one goal before the second period ended and made it 4-3 halfway through period three. That's when Chychrun's goal not only gave the Sting a two-goal cushion, but also calmed the team down over the final nine minutes.

The Sting resume action Sunday when they travel to Owen Sound to battle the Attack beginning at 6 p.m. The game is re-scheduled from Friday when it was postponed due to the weather.

Next weekend Sarnia will play three games in three nights. It begins Thursday night when the Kitchener Rangers make their first appearance in Sarnia. On Friday night the Sting play host to the Plymouth Whalers before travelling to London Saturday night to face the Knights.

Both home games begin at 7:05 p.m. at the RBC Centre.

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

Check out the Sarnia Sting Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 10, 2015


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