Goaltender Justin Fazio was outstanding and Anthony Salinitri scored the game clinching goal as the Sarnia Sting edged visiting Saginaw 3-2 in a shootout Friday night.
The Sting were clinging to a 2-1 lead late in the third period when the Spirit capitalized on a two-on-one break off a turnover at the blue line to send the game into extra time. Both Fazio and Saginaw's Evan Cormier put on a goaltending clinic in overtime with both teams having glorious chances to net the winning goal.
Nikita Korostelev scored to open the shootout and after Fazio had stopped two Spirit shooters, Salinitri snapped home a wrist shot to send the 2,750 fans at Progressive Auto Sales Arena home happy.
Former Sting Hayden Hodgson had a strong game for the visitors, giving Saginaw a 1-0 lead on the power play in the first period and assisting on the game-tying goal in the third. Sarnia scored twice in the second period to lead 2-1 after 40 minutes. Jordan Kyrou's goal was followed by a highlight reel effort by Sting import pick Adam Ruzicka of Slovakia. Ruzicka deked two defenders, stick-handled around Cormier on the shorthand side and then deftly wrapped the puck around the near post from behind the icing line.
Fazio was named the game's first star, Hodgson second and Ruzicka third.
Saginaw outshot Sarnia 39-34.
The Sting (14-10-3) are back in action Sunday at 2pm against the visiting Niagara Ice Dogs in the 19th annual Teddy Bear Toss game. Fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed toy to throw on the ice when the Sting score their first goal. Local charities will distribute the toys to families in need at Christmas.
