Nikita Korostelev netted a hat trick in Sarnia's 7-4 win over the Ottawa 67's Friday night.
Sarnia won their third game to start the season in front of 2,563 fans at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena.
Making his season debut, Korostelev opened the scoring six minutes into the contest, his first of four points. Jaden Lindo added another first period tally for the Sting. The 67's responded before period's end, but the home side carried a 2-1 lead into the intermission.
The visitors took control of the game in the second period, scoring three times while out shooting Sarnia 16-7. Korostelev's second of the game was the lone Sting goal in the middle stanza.
The ice tilted back into Sarnia's favour in the third period, erasing the one goal deficit with four unanswered goals to secure the 7-4 victory.
Jordan Kyrou scored in his regular season debut, while Filip Helt and Adam Ruzicka both netted their first OHL goals in the third period. Korostelev completed the hat trick with less than two minutes remaining in the game.
He says he wanted to contribute in his first game since returning from Toronto Maple Leafs camp
"The boys looked good,we battled back in the third, it's good to be back with the team." says Korostelev, who recorded his second career OHL hat trick Friday. "A couple bounces went my way, I'm just happy to help the team win."
The Sting scored a goal on seven power play opportunities, while Ottawa scored twice on five man advantages. Sarnia finished the contest with a 34-30 shot advantage.
A pair of former Sting both factored into Ottawa's offence. Sasha Chmelevski scored his first goals of the season, and Patrick White finished the night with two assists.
The win improves Sarnia's record to 3-0-0 on the season. The team travels to Flint Friday, before hosting Sault Ste. Marie Sunday afternoon.
