News Release

SARNIA’S STAMKOS STINGS WHALERS IN 3-2 VICTORY

PLYMOUTH – Steven Stamkos’ power play goal with 30 seconds remaining in the second period snapped a 2-2 tie and the Sarnia Sting defeated the Plymouth Whalers, 3-2, in an Ontario Hockey League game played Wednesday night at Compuware Arena.

Chris Terry (8) and Wes Cunningham (3) scored for Plymouth (now 6-5-1-0), while Justin DiBenedetto (8) and Devin DiDiomete (3) scored for Sarnia (7-7-0-0).

Stamkos - a young man many National Hockey League scouts consider to be the first pick in next summer’s NHL Entry Draft – also added an assist as the game’s third star.  He was playing with a full face shield to protect some chipped teeth, courtesy of a high stick received last Sunday in Brampton in a 3-1 loss to the Battalion.

Plymouth battled back from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits, tying the game at 1-1 at 0:17 of the second period when Terry rifled a shot from the slot past Sarnia goaltender Tomi Karhunen.  After DiDiomete scored on a rebound at 3:29 of the second period, Plymouth tied the game at 2-2 at 3:53 when Cunningham’s shot from the right point went under the cross bar by Karhunen.

That set the stage for Stamkos’ goal, when he collected a loose puck that pinballed to the right circle and buried a hard one-timer past Plymouth goaltender Jeremy Smith.

Plymouth pressured in the third period and pulled goaltender Smith over the final 70 seconds, but could not find the equalizer.  Sarnia outshot Plymouth, 47-43, in the game.

Plymouth’s next home game is Saturday against Niagara at 7:05 p.m. at Compuware Arena on Trick or Treat Night.  Single-game tickets for all Whalers games run $14 for Center Ice Seating and $10 for Executive Reserved and can be purchased by calling the Compuware Arena at (734) 453-8400 or by going to Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.

About the Plymouth Whalers

The Plymouth Whalers are the only Metro Detroit team in the Ontario Hockey League, a developmental league for National Hockey League players. The Whalers all range in age from 15-21 years-old and are consistently one of the top teams in the OHL. In 2006-07, the Whalers won the OHL Championship. www.plymouthwhalers.com

About Compuware Arena

Compuware Arena is home to the 2007 Ontario Hockey League Champion Plymouth Whalers, the Major Indoor Soccer League’s Detroit Ignition, the Compuware Arena Drive-In Theatres, the MHSAA Boys State Hockey Championships and eight AAA Compuware Hockey youth teams. Compuware Arena serves more than one million patrons each year, and is located in Plymouth, Michigan. www.compuwarearena.com

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