Powerhouse Prospects Clash
Pre-season Begins
Windsor Spitfires vs Sarnia Sting
September 6 marks the date that the pre-season begins for the OHL’s highly anticipated first overall draft pick, Ethan Belchetz. Ethan, alongside the Windsor Spitfires take on the OHL’s highly anticipated second overall pick Alessandro Di Iorio, who is with the Sarnia Sting. A legendary matchup between two heated rivals who had the top two picks in this year’s OHL draft. This game will be a chance to showcase both teams’ first round picks. Windsor, coming off a very poor season (18 – 42 – 5 – 3) boasts a well-rounded draft core for this upcoming season, while Sarnia, who only finished 10 points ahead of Windsor, (25 – 39 – 3 – 1) comes in with experienced OHL veterans, but very few players from the priority selection draft.
2007 born Talents to watch out for
Ethan Belchetz
The first overall draft pick belonging to the Windsor Spitfires. A tall power forward who has a powerful shot and can outplay many players his age
Alessandro Di Iorio
The second overall draft pick belonging to the Sarnia Sting. A small, yet speedy forward who can wreak havoc up close to the net and can work around many players his age.
What’s in store?
We can expect a gritty, heated game, as their rivalry has yet to slow down. Games between these rivals tend to have a lot of fights, arguments and possible suspensions. We could also expect to see the 2007 born players step it up a notch for their first OHL exhibition experience. One more thing to expect is a high-flying offence game. Windsor came off a season where they let the most goals in while Sarnia wasn’t too far off.
The veterans of both these teams also boast some amazing playoff runs. One veteran has made it to the J. Ross Robertson cup final, but unfortunately fell short in game seven. Windsor’s Ryan Abraham, who was on Windsor’s magical 2022 playoff run, ended up falling short in game seven of the final. Sarnia’s Sandis Vilmanis and Tyson Doucette were two of several players on Sarnia’s western conference final run, where they fell short as well. There is no shortage of experience within this matchup.
Other Talents to look for
Photo by Metcalfe Photography
Jacob & Andrew Leblanc
Jacob and Andrew LeBlanc are a threatening pair of twins to face in the OHL level. This duo consists of a speedy point getter that can bolster any lineup in the league while the other is a great defenseman who is sure to shut down any opportunity that goes against Sarnia.
Carter Hicks
Carter Hicks is another 2007 born player that must be mentioned. A solid defenseman already, shutting down some of Windsor’s top offences during training camp. Should be a solid player to watch for this game.
Nick Surzycia
Nick is a solid goalie in between the pipes. He is poised and athletic, making him a brick wall in net. Nick looks to step it up a notch in this season, as it will be his last in the OHL.
What Can We Expect?
The exhibition game between Windsor and Sarnia will be an exciting, action filled game with lots of heat and competitiveness. The excitement will start when the puck drops at 7:05 pm and the arena will surely be packed and roaring to go for this night!
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