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.
