OHL all-stars stump Russia at WFCU Centre

By Mark Brown

A team of Ontario Hockey League all-stars clinched their series against a team of Russian players in a tough, defensive battle Nov.16 at the WFCU Centre.

Team OHL shook off an early Russian goal and scored twice to beat Team Russia 2-1. Jordan Kyrou of the Sarnia Sting and Spencer Watson of the Kingston Frontenacs were the lamplighters for the Canadian team. London Knights star Mitchell Marner, who assisted on the Watson goal, had confidence in his teammate.

“Watty’s a pretty good shooter,” said Marner, who was selected fourth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in this year’s NHL Entry Draft. “I watched his last game and seeing his stats this year and last year I knew he was a good shooter. I knew I just needed to give him the puck and space and then he put it home.”

Most of the players featured on the game’s roster have either already been drafted by NHL teams or are eligible for the 2016 Entry Draft. The lineup for the game was coached by the Windsor Spitfires’ Rocky Thompson.

The first goal of the game came from Team Russia on the power play goal from Kirill Pilipenko in the first period. Kyrou had the equalizer at 9:12 in the second period, assisted by Kyle Capobianco of the Sudbury Wolves. Kyrou’s Sarnia teammate, Jakob Chychrun, could not be more pleased.

“It’s awesome. I’m really happy for Jordy. He deserved it and he moved himself well today,” said Chychrun, who is projected to be an early pick in next year’s NHL draft. He says he will walk away with fond memories of the series.

Watson’s game-winning goal came at a minute and 50 seconds after Kyrou’s. Team OHL had a tandem of goalies on the night, turning away a combined 21 shots from Russia’s 22 total. Michael McNiven of the Owen Sound Attack had the bulk of the work between the pipes while Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes finished things off.

Two Spitfires were part of the lineup. Left winger Cristiano DiGiacinto was plus-one with two penalty minutes for Team OHL. Aaron Luchuk was a last-minute replacement for injured teammate Logan Brown. Luchuk said he was thrilled to get the nod.

“It was obviously an honour to get the call today. It was pretty short notice that I got to play,” said Luchuk. “It was a lot of fun going out there and representing the OHL.”

Russia would take a game Nov. 17 in Rouyn-Noranda, Que from a team of players with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The QMJHL returned the favor Nov. 19 in Halifax to close the series.