The Ontario Hockey League has handed Sarnia Sting captain Kevin Spinozzi a lengthy suspension.
Spinozzi was given a ten game ban for a hit against Saginaw on Sunday, January 29. He was given a five minute major and a game misconduct for a check to the head on the play.
He sat out of Thursday's loss in North Bay and is eligible to return February 25 in Sault Ste. Marie.
Sting Assistant Coach Jeff Barratt says the guys will have to step up without their captain.
"Obviously losing Kevin is a big blow to us, he plays tough minutes, kills penalties and brings the veteran leadership," says Barratt.
Barratt says that Spinozzi made the trip with the team in an effort to provide some leadership during a busy schedule.
The suspension comes at the worst possible time for the Sting, who will be without their captain for the majority of February, their busiest month of the season. The Sting will play 12 games in 25 days, with nine of those contests being played away from Progressive Auto Sales Arena.
Making matters worse, goalie Justin Fazio did not make the trip this weekend, he left last Sunday's game midway through the second after a collision with Saginaw forward Kris Bennett. Bennett was given a two minute penalty for goaltender interference on the play.
Rookies Aidan Hughes and Blair Coffin will handle to goaltending duties in Fazio's absence.
The Sting continue their road trip Friday night in Sudbury before wrapping things up Saturday in Barrie.
