Spits Get First Home Win

By: Mitchell Brandner

The Windsor Spitfires improved their record to 2-1-0 Sept. 27 when they beat the Kitchener Rangers at the WFCU Centre for their first home win of the season.

Windsor got on the board early when Chris Marchese forced a turnover in the neutral zone. Getting by Ranger defenseman Ryan Murphy, he was able to beat goaltender Franky Palazzese with a wrist shot.  Midway through the first period Kitchener tied it up after Brent Pederson redirected Max Iafrate’s point shot on the power play.

Windsor took the lead once again when Derek Schoenmakers scored off a rebound after Spits forward Emerson Clark drove hard to the net at 5:02 of the second period. Less than two minutes later Patrick Sieloff received a five minute major and a game misconduct for charging Rangers forward Justin Bailey. On the ensuing power play Tobias Rieder scored a one timer from the bottom of the circle after Brandon Devlin turned the puck over.

Patrick Sieloff said hitting is a big part of his game, and it isn’t going to change regardless of the penalties called against him.

“I’ve had (game misconducts) in the past and it’s not something that’s going to change my game,” said Sieloff. “The league will eventually have to accept it. It was a clean hit.”

The Spitfires took their third and final lead with 44 seconds remaining in the third period. Marchese scored his second of the night after Brady Vail’s pass was deflected right onto Marchese’s stick. He made no mistake beating Palazzese stick side. Michael Clarke added an empty net goal to put the game away.

Spits coach Bob Boughner said defense played a big part in the win.

“We talked about it before the game. If we were going to have any success against (Kitchener) we have to have five guys protecting the house,” said Boughner. “If we’re going to give them anything, give them outside chances. I thought for the most part we did that.”

The Spitfires will travel to Mississauga to play the Steelheads at the Hershey Centre Friday night.