The Sarnia Sting led for much of the game but couldn't hold on, losing 3-2 in a shootout to the Otters in Erie, Pennsylvania Saturday night.
Nick Betz scored eight minutes into the third period to tie the game and TJ Fergus got the shootout winner.
Carrying momentum from a 6-1 win in Mississauga Friday night, Sarnia came out strong, outshooting the Otters 15-5 in the opening 20 minutes. The Sting took the lead just over a minute into the game on a blast from the point by defenceman Alex Black, assisted by Zachary Core.
After a goal by Kyle Maksimovich, overage forward Matt Mistele restored the Sting lead with his 14th goal of the season and his sixth in seven games since coming to the Sting in a trade with Oshawa. Jakob Chychrun and Jordan Kyrou drew the assists.
There was no scoring in the second period.
The Sting had a great chance to win the game in overtime but couldn't capitalize when Fergus took a hooking penalty two minutes into the five minute extra period.
Sarnia outshot Erie 36-27 with Justin Fazio getting the start in goal again for the Sting and Devin Williams going the distance in net for the Otters. Williams was named the game's first star.
The Sting again played without leading scorer Pavel Zacha who is with the Czech Republic for the World Junior Hockey Championship. The Otters were also without key players due to the upcoming tournament in Finland including top scorers Alex DeBrincat (USA) and Dylan Strome (Can) and defenceman Travis Dermott (Can).
Despite the loss, the Sting secured three of four possible points in their two game road trip and hit the holiday break in 5th place in the OHL Western Conference with a record of 18-11-2-1.
The Sting return to action in Windsor December 28, and have the traditional New Years home and home series with the London Knights.
Sarnia is at Budweiser Gardens December 31st at 4pm and host the Knights at the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre Saturday January 2, 2016 at 7pm.
