The Sarnia Sting fired everything they could on the Greyhound net, but ultimately dropped the seventh and deciding game of their first round series 4-3.
The Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre was loud early in the game with 4,567 fans in attendance Tuesday night.
Anthony Salinitri gave the home fans something to cheer about just over four minutes in, sneaking a shot over the short side shoulder of Brandon Halverson. Sault Ste. Marie evened things up midway through the frame when Gabe Guertler put a lose puck by Sting goalie Charlie Graham. Sarnia held a 13-7 shot advantage through 20 minutes.
The Greyhounds capitalized on a Sting turnover to take the lead in the second period. They were close to taking a two goal lead shortly after but Graham made a big save to keep the deficit at one. Sarnia took advantage as Pavel Zacha scored a powerplay goal just minutes later to even the game.
Sault Ste. Marie captain Blake Speers scored a goal 27 seconds into the third period to give the visitors a 3-2 advantage. The Greyhounds would add another goal to take a 4-2 lead.
Head Coach Derian Hatcher elected to pull Charlie Graham when the Sting were on the powerplay with three minutes left in the hockey game, giving the Sting a six on four advantage. The move paid off as Troy Lajeunesse score to pull the Sting within a goal with two minutes remaining. Sarnia continued to press late but could not score a tying goal, despite 16 third period shots. They held a 39-17 shot advantage overall.
Travis Konecny missed his fifth game of the series with an upper body injury.
The 4-3 loss finishes Sarnia's season, bringing the end to the OHL careers of Matt Mistele, Charlie Graham and captain Sam Studnicka.
Sarnia did win their first West Division title since 2004 while setting franchise records in wins (42) and points (91).
The offseason begins quickly for the Sting with the annual OHL draft this Saturday.
