Fisher's arrival nets big gain

  Three point night lifts Stars to a 3-2 win and 2-0 lead in series

Friday, March 2, 2018

By Rob J. Ross 

ST. THOMAS - Brett Fisher has been worth the wait.

The 18-year old scored the game winner and assisted on power play goals by Adam Keyes and Peter Fleming, to carry the St. Thomas Stars over the Sarnia Legionaires, 3-2, grabbing a 2-0 lead in their Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League Western Conference best of seven game series.

Acquired from the Komoka Kings prior to the trade deadline in January, Fisher didn't make his Stars' debut until the playoffs, due to high school hockey.

Fisher has two goals and two assists in the series.

"We added Brett at the deadline and he has really added an element to our power play that we haven't had in awhile," Stars' head coach Darren Kelly said. "It brings everyone up when you score on the power play."

Scoreless for 18 minutes of the first period, the Stars suddenly struck twice within 27 seconds on the power play, the first goal during a five-on-three advantage. Sarnia got one back just 32 seconds later while still shorthanded, with Josh Barraclough cutting into the St. Thomas lead.

Sarnia made it a one goal game in the third period, with Greg Hay scoring during a five-on-three advantage.

Power plays have been the story for the Stars, striking twice in each of the first two games.

"We weren't clicking (power play) in the season, but we got it going for the playoffs when it matters the most," said Keyes, who has two goals and two assists in the series. "We have changed some things up in our setup. We're moving the puck well and getting pucks on net."

The Stars were out shot, 43-29, in the game and by 16 shots over the second and third periods, forcing goalie Jesse Hodgson to remain sharp.

"He's been unbelievable," said Keyes.

Hodgson started game one as well.

"He's calming the boys back there and giving us the chance to win," said Kelly. "I could play either one of them and that's the tough part of our team. It's a gut feel and I'm going with it."

Sarnia out shot St. Thomas 28-19 in the series opener, but Hodgson frustrated the Legionaires, making 27 saves. Keyes scored once and assisted on goals by Fisher and Fleming.

"We're playing hard, taking bodies, taking slashes and doing the little things right and we just need to continue what we are doing," said Keyes.

Game three is Sunday at Sarnia.

Prior to his arrival in St. Thomas, Fisher had two goals and 12 assists in 19 games with Komoka. During the 2016/17 season, with Lambton Shores, Fisher produced 18 goals, 22 assists, in 49 games.

CONFERENCE AWARDS

At the 2018 GOJHL Western Conference awards, Kevin Hu picked up the Hugh McLean trophy for regular season top scorer and is a first team all-star.

Mason Millman was named most outstanding first year defenceman and selected to the all-rookie team.

Tammy Ford is this season's Outstanding Volunteer.

Joining Hu as all-stars, are LaSalle Vipers' goalie Dershahn Stewart and forward Manny Silverio, also the MVP; Leamington Flyers' defenceman Jaydon Fetter and forward Griffin Robinson and London Nationals' defenceman Jordan Di Cicco.

Komoka Kings' forward Joel Mazzilli is the rookie of the year. London Nationals' Kyle Dawson, the defensive forward of the year.