Sproviero Leads Sting to Playoffs

There would have been no better way to script it. Needing just one win to clinch a playoff spot, as well as having an overager ceremony before the game, overager and Sarnia native Franco Sproviero scored the shootout winner to clinch a playoff spot for the Sarnia Sting.

Sean Josling opened the scoring for the Sting, eleven minutes into the game, with his 22nd goal of the season. Ryan McGregor and Hugo Leufvenius drew the assists.

The Sting kept up the pressure, adding a second goal later in the first period with Brayden Guy's 18th goal of the season. Assisting on the goal was Jacob Perreault and Franco Sproviero.

Two minutes and thirty-seven seconds into the second period, Mitch Eliot unleashed a wicked wrist shot that found the twine to make it 3-0 for the Sting. Ryan McGregor had the assist on the power play goal.

At the end of the second period, the Sting held on to a 3-0 lead. They had the advantage over Windsor in shots, 19-15.

Just over two minutes into the third period, Jean-Luc Foudy scored his seventh goal of the season for Windsor to cut Sarnia's lead to just two goals.

Later in the third period, while on the power play, Connor Corcoran scored his 10th goal of the season. Assisting on the goal was Curtis Douglas.

With six minutes to play, the Sting were unable to hold on to their lead as Foudy added his second of the game and eighth of the season. Luke Boka had the assist on the shorthanded tally.

There would be no more scoring in the third period, so this game required extra time. Unfortunately, neither team was able to capitalize in overtime, so this game had to go to a shootout.

Will Cuylle started the shootout for the Spitfires, but was unable to convert. Hugo Leufvenius was the first shooter for the Sting, and he buried it to give the Sting the lead in the shootout. Jean-Luc Foudy was the second shooter for Windsor, and Langevin stopped him as well. Franco Sproviero was the second shooter for Sarnia, and he used his quick hands to find an opening and score to give the Sting the win!

This win allowed the Sting to clinch seventh place in the Western Conference as well as a playoff spot. This will be Sarnia's fifth consecutive playoff appearance and seventh time in the playoffs in the past eight seasons. Head coach Derian Hatcher has made the playoffs in each of his four seasons here in Sarnia.

Ethan Langevin stopped 25/28 shots in the win. Kari Piiroinen stopped 32/35 in sixty-five minutes of play but could not stop any in the shootout.

Sarnia's next game is on Saturday in Flint.