The Sarnia Sting begin the new season the same way they ended last year, with a loss at the hands of the Erie Otters.
Despite the loss the Sting managed 39 shots on net, 19 of which came in the third period.
Alex DeBrincat wasted little time notching his first of the season, opening the scoring on a wraparound goal 3:35 into the contest.
Sting captain Daniel Nikandrov tied it up with shorthanded tally at the 6:41 mark of the first period, Jeff King picking up the lone assist.
The tie game didn’t last long as Erie’s Nick Betz responded just 57 seconds later to regain the one goal lead for the Otters.
Jakob Chychrun tied the game up at two midway through the second period by one timing a pass from Josh Jacobs. The goal came off a broken play, quite literally, as Chychrun actually broke his stick on the shot but it somehow fluttered over the shoulder of Devin Williams into the back of the Erie net.
The Sting carried the play for the most part in the second period, but Erie regained control of the contest with a pair of quick goals from Kyle Maksimovich and Kyle Pettit.
Erie started the third period with a powerplay goal, but once again Sarnia responded as Hayden Hodgson tipped an Alex Black point shot by Williams.
The Sting continued to press late and were able to pull within one in the final minutes, Alexandre Renaud scoring with Justin Fazio on the bench for the extra attacker.
The Sting were unable to pull even despite a fury of shots late, but Williams held the fort for Erie.
Head coach Derian Hatcher.
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Up next for the Sting, they host the Kingston Frontenacs at the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre Sunday at 2pm.
