DiPietro blanks Frontenacs, Day scores in first game

Newly acquired defenceman Sean Day scored in his first game as a Spitfire to help lead Windsor to a victory over Kingston at the WFCU Centre.

Day, 18, stands among an exclusive group as the fourth player ever granted exceptional status by the Ontario Hockey League, including John Tavares, Aaron Ekblad and Connor McDavid. The New York Rangers selected him as the 81^st overall at the 2016 NHL draft.

“Everybody is talking about the change of scenery, but the guys and the coaching staff made it really easy on me to go out and play my game,” said Day. “It was a good start (with the Spitfires) and I just want to keep it going.”

Spitfires’ goaltender Michael DiPietro stopped all 25 Kingston shots to earn the shutout and Windsor’s eighth win of the season.

“A win is a win, but getting a shutout is a nice touch,” said DiPietro. “Every game is unique and different and I’m just happy to get the win.”

Cole Purboo provided what became the game winning goal at 7:32 of the first period and Day added an insurance tally only three minutes later. Logan Stanley, Austin McEneny and Gabriel Vilardi assisted on the goals.

“We knew before the game that Kingston makes you work for every inch of ice,” said Spitfires’ head coach Rocky Thompson. “They are a hard working team without a doubt but we were able to inch ourselves forward and dictate the pace of the game.”

The Spitfires head across the border to face-off against the Flint Firebirds on Saturday at 7p.m.