Sarnia Sting Minor Bantam MD’s versus London Bandits-Orange

   The minor bantam MD’s took on the London Bandits – Orange in an early season battle of undefeated teams on home ice at the Sarnia Arena Monday night. This was an opportunity for the developing Sting team to test their metal against a proven front runner in the league.

   The Sting started the game well getting the puck deep off the face off and applying some good early pressure. They tested the London goalie early and often who stood tall in the Bandits goal. Matt Williams started in goal for the Sting and looked to be very composed in his crease handling shots with ease, controlling and covering the puck well when he had to. Already down one player since the start of the season the Sarnia team was forced to play four defenseman in this game due to a late scratch. On what looked like a very dangerous rush by a Bandits player D-man Cullen Smith brought his teammates to their feet on the bench with a very solid open ice hit that stopped the London player dead in his tracks.  With 3:13 to go in the first Jack Chapman fired a nice hard shot from the point that beat the Bandits goalie. The lone assist went to Jason Braun who had fed him a nice pass from the corner. Keith Manery had an excellent opportunity to put the Sting up by two when he was awarded a penalty shot. He appeared calm as he went in alone on the goalie and put a nice backhand to forehand deke on the Bandits goalie only to have his finishing shot just miss the open top left corner. The first period ended with Sarnia leading 1 – 0.

   The second period brought more of same play from both teams with Sarnia getting good opportunities on the London net and doing a good job of thwarting any London opportunities. The Sting took a couple of penalties that tipped the momentum in London’s favor. The Bandits were rewarded shortly after a penalty expired tying the game 1 – 1 with 8 minutes to go in the second. This seemed to set the Sting on their heels a bit after playing with great confidence for the first half of the game. London scored a second goal a few minutes later after Sarnia had trouble getting the puck out of their zone. The second period ended with London up 2 -1.

    The third period seemed to get more physical for both sides. Kevin Durco continued his strong play, moving the puck well and making his presence felt. After moving the puck and getting bowled over Owen Gibson stepped up his physical game with two solid hits in one shift that definitely got the oppositions attention. The Sting had several chances to draw even on the score sheet but London scored the next goal to go up 3 – 1. A London player fired a shot from the point that was deflected by a Sarnia stick and the puck went over the shoulder of a helpless Matt Williams. The Bandits brought the pressure right back after that goal and scored another a minute and a half later to go up 4 – 1. The Sarnia team did not let up and were able to gain momentum during the final 5 minutes of play. Several forwards had strong games, Drew Morgan, Keith Manery and Jason Braun all had quality chances on goal. Shane Salisbury, normally a defenseman gained confidence on the right wing as the game went on. He had an excellent opportunity to score using his size and speed down the wing.  Busting past a defender he took the puck to the front of the goal only to see the goalie make the save. London added another late goal to win the game 5 – 1.

    The Sting play their next game on the road in Oakridge on Sunday, Oct. 24/10, 7 PM. Go Sting Go!