- It was an action-packed Saturday night in the Stouffville Arena, with over 500 fans in attendance for the hometown hockey squad’s home opener against the Aurora Tigers.
- Stouffville’s Muffin Men Band performed before the game, and Mayor Lovatt was joined by Spirit GM Kenny Burrows and Terry Fox Run co-chair Adele Palmer for the ceremonial puck-drop and face-off.
- The Spirit took control of the first period with physical play and strong man-down defence. Stouffville’s Tayjon Street struck first with a goal just 35 seconds into the game.
- Goals were scored by Stouffville’s Odara Ewere and Peter Kioussis as well, capping off a dominant opening to the game.
- The Tigers took advantage of a sluggish Spirit to start the second period, but Stouffville responded quickly with a rebound goal by Danny Thomakos.
- With Aurora stepping up their intensity and numerous big hits, fights, penalties, and ejections, Stouffville maintained their man-down fortitude and only allowed one additional goal through the second.
- Lachlan Wells and David Paglia each scored by the end of the period, seeing the Spirit up 6-2 at the start of the third.
- Aurora managed a third-period power-play goal, but again faced a swift response from Stouffville thanks to a goal by Even Breckles.
- Emotions were high toward the end of the third with fights and penalties abound, but the Spirit pushed through two men down without taking any additional damage—finishing the game with a 7-3 win.
- Stouffville outshot Aurora 39-21, and defenseman David Paglia was awarded the Player of the Game belt.
- The Spirit face the Trenton Golden Hawks at home for their next game. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. at the Stouffville Arena on Saturday, September 16.