Rookie Adam Ruzicka scored two goals and added two assists to lead the Sarnia Sting over the visiting Guelph Storm 5-4 Wednesday night.
The 17-year-old from Slovakia tied the game 1-1 in the first period, added a power play marker in the second, and set up Anthony Salinitri with a wide open net a couple of minutes later as the Sting opened up a 4-1 lead. Nikita Korostelev had two goals and an assist in the middle frame giving the Sting a 5-2 advantage after 40 minutes.
Guelph stormed back in the third period with two goals by rookie defenceman Ryan Merkley, the second coming with just over a minute remaining, but could not get the equalizer. The Storm outshot Sarnia 20-7 in the third and 49-26 for the game with rookie goaltender Aidan Hughes winning his first home start of the season.
The Storm missed a chance to take a 2-0 lead in the first period when Givani Smith missed the net on a penalty shot. Isaac Ratcliffe had the other two Storm goals.
A crowd of 2,637 took in the Wednesday night encounter at Progressive Auto Sales Arena.
With his four points, Ruzicka moved into second spot in OHL rookie scoring with 22 points including 12 goals in 29 games. Korostelev is now tied with Jordan Kyrou for the team scoring lead with 34 points including 17 goals.
The Sting (16-10-3) are in Saginaw, Michigan Thursday night to take on the Spirit and return home Saturday to host the rival London Knights on Ugly Christmas Sweater Night. Listen to all the action on 103.9 FM, 1070 AM CHOK.