WITH PHOTOS: Spitfires Falter Against Fulcher

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On a rare Monday night game, the Windsor Spitfires and Sarnia Sting faced off inside the WFCU Centre just days away from the new year. The Spits had some trouble, though, as they couldn’t seem to solve goalie Kaden Fulcher. With solid goaltending, the Sting’s offense scored three goals on six shots in the third period, handing Windsor a 6-3 loss.

In a turn of events from the last time these teams met, the visiting Sting were in control from the get-go. They opened the game with five shots against the Spitfires, allowing zero in return. It was no surprise that they would grab the game’s first lead. Nikita Korostelev entered the Windsor zone and fired a shot blocker-side to take a 1-0 lead. Not long after, the Spits got on the board themselves. Cole Carter was on the doorstep when the puck bounced around in front. Aaron Luchuk put it toward the net, and Carter swatted across the line to tie the game. The energy quickly faded in the building, though, as Sarnia would regain its lead less than 40 seconds later. Jordan Kyrou made a nifty move around a defender before falling to his knee. He kept the puck and lifted a shot that beat Garret Hughson blocker-side once more. At the other end, Kaden Fulcher had Windsor’s number, namely Brendan Lemieux. The forward had incredible chance after chance, but couldn’t put the puck in. With 20 minutes gone, the Sting were up 2-1.

Early in the period, the Spitfires went down by a pair. There was some confusion as to whether the puck was knocked in with a high-stick, but the review was inconclusive. Just over two minutes in, the Spits had to come out of a two-goal deficit. It took a few minutes, but Windsor got back to within one, thanks to one of Mikhail Sergachev’s signature slap-shots. From the point, his shot was a rocket for the goalie. The puck hit the back of the net cleanly and with force. Windsor came close again throughout the middle frame, but Fulcher kept his team in the lead. After 40 minutes, and exchanging goals, Windsor was down 3-2.

The Spitfires recovered from a rough start to the game and evened the score a couple minutes into the third. Logan Stanley blasted a shot from inside the left circle. It was way too fast for Fulcher as the teams were all tied up with nearly a full period to play. for the remaining minutes, the Sting took control for good. Windsor had its fair share of chances, but Fulcher made remarkable timely saves for Sarnia. On offense, the Sting put in the next three goals. First, a tic-tac-toe play down low made its way into the net. Matt Mistele found Kyrou behind the net, who in turn found Hayden Hodgson in front. Three minutes later, Sasha Chmelevski faked a low shot, but instead went high and over the glove as the Sting, once again, took a two-goal lead. The Spits tried for a goal, but to no avail. Sarnia capped off the scoring after gaining possession and putting the puck into the empty net. The final score at the WFCU Centre showed a 6-3 Windsor loss against the Sarnia Sting.

The Spitfires to host to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds this Thursday, on New Years’ Eve, at 2:05pm.