Sarnia Sting vs Erie Otters

Sarnia Sting @ Erie Otters January 6th, 2012


The Sarnia Sting made 4 big trades before their game with the Erie Otters and I wouldn't expect anymore unless something comes up and Beaulieu cannot say no. New additions Adrian Robertson, Tyler J Brown, Ryan Spooner and JP Anderson where all in the line up for the Sting as they took on the Otters Friday night in Erie. The Sting also got another boost to the line up as Craig Hottot and Alex Basso both returned to Sarnia's line up in time for the weekend.

It wouldn't take long for the new Sting players to make their presence known to Sarnia fans as all had points in the first period with Ryan Spooner leading the way (1 goal 1 assist in the 1st period). Connor Murphy would open the goal scoring with his 1st OHL career goal at 17:48 of the 1st period on the powerplay. On Murphy's goal Spooner and Brown would both also record their 1st point in a Sting uniform picking up an assist each. Ryan Spooner would then score his 1st goal in a Sting jersey at 19:25 with assists going to newcomer Adrian Robertson and reactivated off IR Craig Hottot. JP Anderson would make 11/11 saves in the first period as the Sting went to the room with the 2-0 lead.

The second period was rather uneventful with just one goal from Craig Hottot (his second point of the night) at 11:12 with assists going to Brett Thompson and Anthony DeAngelo. Hottot's goal was a beautiful backhander that went off the Erie post and a sprawling Sadikov just couldn't keep it from crossing the goal line. The Sting were leading the Erie Otters 3-0 after 2 and out shooting them 22-19. JP Anderson again stood tall in the 2nd period stopping all 8 shots he faced. Alex Basso would also get on the score sheet in his first game back from a broken finger but on the wrong side as he took a checking to the head penalty in the 2nd period.

Ryan Spooner started off the 3rd period putting the Sting up 4-0 on a beautiful breakaway goal sliding the puck just underneath Erie goaltender Ramis Sadikov. Spooner's 2nd goal of the night (and 100th of his career) would be unassisted. Just prior to the Spooner goal Justice Dundas had a breakaway chance but couldn't beat Sadikov. Dundas had a very solid game for the Sting with multiple chances and is proving his worth for next season. JP Anderson would go on to finish the period stopping all of the shots he faced. Anderson faced 30 shots for his 1st shutout in a Sting uniform.

My 3 Stars:

3. Craig Hottot 1 goal 1 assist in his return
2. Ryan Spooner 2 goals 1 assist in his debut
1. JP Anderson 30 saves on 30 shots in his debut

OHL 3 Stars were 1. Spooner 2. Hottot 3. Anderson

Next up the Sarnia Sting face the Niagara Ice Dogs tomorrow night.

Game Notes:
* Connor Murphy's 1st Career OHL goal on PP
* Ryan Spooner leads newcomers with 3 points (2 goals 1 assist)
* Brown, Robertson both with 1 point
* JP Anderson with shutout


**Former Sarnia Sting defenseman Daniel Brousard has been suspended 8 games by the OHL for being found in violation of league rules for stimulant use
** Ludvig Reinsfeldt is in Niagara resting and awaiting the arrival of the team and will play tomorrow night for the Sarnia Sting
**Nail Yakupov is to undergo a MRI this weekend and results of that MRI will determine injury and we should get the update early next week


Scoring Summary:


1st Connor Murphy (1) from Tyler Brown, Ryan Spooner (17:48) PP
1st Ryan Spooner (15) from Adrian Robertson, Craig Hottot (19:25)
2nd Craig Hottot (14) from Brett Thompson, Anthony DeAngelo (11:12)
3rd Ryan Spooner (16) unassisted (4:37) *Ryan Spooners 100th career OHL goal (201 OHL game)


SOG: Sarnia 30 Erie 30
Sarnia 1/3 PP 3/3 PK

JP Anderson To Sarnia Finally Done

Missassagua and Sting Strike a Deal


The Majors and the Sarnia Sting have completed a deal that sees 19 year old goaltender JP Anderson go to Sarnia. In exchange the Sarnia Sting sent 3 2nd round picks, 2 5th round picks and Brandon Maxwell back to Missassagua.

This deal has been imminent in recent days and everyone has just been waiting for it to be announced. JP Anderson is in no doubt an upgrade from Brandon Maxwell. Anderson brings a pedigree and a winning history to Sarnia as he took the Majors to Memorial Cup finals last year and won the OHL Championship.

The Sting gave a lot in return and while Anderson is a big upgrade in net are the moves that they have made going to put them over the top and carry them to the Memorial Cup? In my opinion it is about 50/50 that the Sting are able to get there. With the amount of moves that have been made for this summer it is hard to predict what the team chemistry will be not to mention Yakupov and Galchenyuk out with injuries. Do the Sting now have what it takes? We better hope so because Beaulieu just emptied the cupboard at the deadline.

To Sarnia: JP Anderson
To Mississagua: Brandon Maxwell, GUE 2nd '12, NIA 2nd '13, PBO 2nd '14, SAR 5th '14, SAR 5th '15