The Sarnia Sting picked up their first win in 18 chances against the London Knights with a big 2-1 victory before a sell out crowd at the SSEC Saturday night.
Travis Konecny opened the scoring with his 22nd goal of the season 18:37 into the opening period. Konecny was able to settle down a bouncing puck in the slot, with assists going to Jakob Chychrun and Zachary Core.
The game remained 1-0 heading into the second frame. London's Cliff Pu had a chance to tie the game at the 10:44 mark but was denied by goalie Charlie Graham on a penalty shot chance.
The back and forth affair continued into the third period. Matt Mistele made it 2-0 Sting on a full two minute two man advantage with just four minutes remaining in the third period. Pavel Zacha and Travis Konecny picked up the helpers.
Konecny now has 33 points in 18 games with the Sting, and 78 points overall.
Christian Dvorak broke Graham's shutout bid with 1:32 remaining in the third. The Knights appeared to tie the contest just 20 seconds later but the goal was disallowed due to goalie interference.
Overall, Graham made 20 saves while Knights goalie Tyler Parsons stopped 32 of 34 Sarnia shots.
The victory moves the Sting into second place in the OHL's Western Conference and first in the West Division, two points up on the Windsor Spitfires.
The Sting donned special purple jerseys for the game in support of the Do It For Daron cause. You can bid on them at www.sarniasting.com. Proceeds support mental health initiatives.
Sarnia's weekend concludes Monday afternoon against Saginaw with the annual Family Day game at the SSEC.
You can hear all of the action live on 103.9FM-1070AM CHOK. Coverage begins at 1:30pm.
