The Stouffville Spirit is now 30-17-0-4 and tied for fourth place in the Ontario Junior Hockey League East following their 5-3 win over the Markham Royals at the Stouffville Arena Thursday.
Julian Demiglio netted the hat trick and the Player of the Game belt. Evan Breckles scored his 22nd goal and added two assists.
Linemate Danny Thomakos had four assists
Spirit plays at Georgetown Saturday, Haliburton County Sunday and Lindsay Wednesday, in a game rescheduled from last Sunday due to snow.
The team completes the regular season schedule with two home games: Feb. 27 against Cobourg and Milton March 1.
The Spirit has booked its spot in the OJHL playoffs, which begin the weekend of March 7.
THE GRADUATES
The Spirit honoured its five graduating (2004 birth year) players during a ceremony before defeating the Pickering Panthers 5-2 on Family Day at the Stouffville Arena.
Captain David Paglia, assistants Riley Pope and Jacob Winsor as well as Lachlan Wells and Kyle Downey were joined on the black carpet by members of their family.
Wells is completing his second season with the Spirit after being obtained from the Oakville Blades of the OJHL. He scored goals in both games this week.
“Lachlan was a guy we targeted in the off-season two years ago as a Swiss army knife kind of player,” said Thayne Hallyburton, Assistant General Manager of the Spirit. “Big-time work ethic. Can play centre or wing. Penalty kill. Run a power play and kind of do it all.”
“He takes the game very seriously and is a lead-by-example kind of guy. He’s also a phenomenal kid.”
The Toronto resident has 54 points (20 goals/34 assists) in 51 games heading into the weekend.
Wells is looking forward to the postseason, especially given “our higher seed this year.” Last year’s team finished eighth, grabbing the final East playoff spot during the last weekend of the regular season.
“I felt when I came onto the team last year from Oakville it was a good transition,” Wells said. “I felt welcomed. And I’ve had a great time ever since.”
“The graduation ceremony was really nice, receiving the framed jersey. It’s been an honour playing here.”
Paglia scored the game winner Monday. Zack Corte had two goals and Breckles the final goal. Defencemen Max Davidson and Cam Martin had two-assist afternoons.
NOTES
Rookie defenceman Brady Smith has been called up to the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League for the second time this season. The Wolves roster has been depleted by suspensions and injuries.
The 16-year-old is expected to wear No. 3 when the Wolves host Owen Sound tonight.
Ballantrae Public School students and staff will be guests of the Spirit Thursday night. They’re encouraged to bring donations of staples for the Whitchurch-Stouffville Food Bank.
Spirit players collected more food bank donations during their Skate With the Spirit night at the Stouffville Skating Trail Wednesday.
MEDIA
All Spirit games are broadcast on 102.9FM whistlefm.ca radio and FloHockey TV.
https://www.flohockey.tv/leagues/10826657-ontario-junior-hockey-league-ojhl (subscription required).
Chris Mayberry and Jason Rehel anchor the broadcasts.
Spirit This Week is sponsored by Farmer Jack’s in Stouffville.
