The Windsor Spitfires rode strong goaltending and a hot start to a 5-0 win over the Owen Sound Attack at the WFCU Centre on Thursday night
Michael DiPietro made 30 saves to get the shutout and Connor Chatham grabbed an assist in his first game as a Spit.
"Yeah kind of just threw it to the [defenceman], we got a lucky bounce and [Spitfires forward Brendan Lemieux] buried it, so yeah it's nice to get the first one out of the way," says Chatham.
The former Flint Firebirds forward says the Spitfires play a higher tempo game that he had to adjust to quickly.
"I noticed right away this team plays a lot faster. I kind of had to remind myself to keep my feet moving because the pace I came from wasn't quite as fast," says Chatham. "This team gets in hard on the forecheck, so I've got to make sure I'm always skating up with them and not lagging behind."
The Windsor Spitfires play the Owen Sound Attack at the WFCU Centre on January 7, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
The Spitfires scored three goals in the first 4:17 of the game — including two powerplay goals. The early lead was welcomed by Spits goalie Michael DiPietro.
"Certainly makes my life a lot easier, but you can't let your foot off the gas pedal," says DiPietro. "We had that lead in Saginaw when I started there and we blew it kind of thing, so I just had the mind set of 'take it shot by shot' and steer them away."
It's the second shutout of the season for DiPietro, but the rookie goaltender says it wasn't on his mind.
"No, then I just play mental games with myself and that's never good," says DiPietro. "It's nice, but the win means a lot more than the shutout obviously. Five-nothing is a big win for us and we need those two points which is nice."
Brendan Lemieux had a two-goal game including the game-winner and Gabe Vilardi and Christian Fischer added two assists each.
The Spitfires are in Barrie on Saturday to take on the Colts.
