Tigers Split Long Weekend; Sagrott Earns 10th Win in Family Day Showcase

STONEY CREEK, ON — The Stoney Creek Tigers experienced the highs and lows of Allan Cup Hockey this long weekend, splitting a pair of high-scoring road games. After a frustrating loss in Cambridge on Friday night where they dominated the shot clock, the Tigers bounced back on Monday with an 8-5 victory over St. Catharines in the West Niagara Showcase. The split moves Stoney Creek’s record to 17-2-2 on the season.

Friday night in Cambridge was a case of running into a hot goaltender. Despite firing a season-high 61 shots on net, the Tigers fell 8-5 to the Hornets. Stoney Creek controlled the play for large stretches, outshooting Cambridge 61-31, but Hornets netminder Ryan Gibb made 56 saves to steal the win.

Dylan Madge continued his scoring touch with two goals, while Dan Poliziani was the primary playmaker, dishing out three assists. Mike Ruberto and Cordell James also had multi-point nights, but the Hornets surged in the third period, scoring four times to break a close game open.

The Tigers looked to rebound on Monday afternoon as they hosted the St. Catharines Saints at the West Niagara Community Centre for a special Family Day Showcase game. In front of an energetic crowd in West Lincoln, the Tigers offense erupted once again in an 8-5 victory.

The first period was a track meet, with Stoney Creek jumping out to a 4-2 lead on goals from Josh Pietrantonio (2), Bo Webster, and Mike Ruberto. After Kyle Essery extended the lead in the second, the Saints mounted a comeback in the third period, scoring twice to tie the game 5-5.

However, the Tigers showed their resilience. Rhett Kingston played the hero, burying the game-winning goal with just over eight minutes remaining. Stoney Creek then clamped down defensively, with Mike Ruberto and Cole Poliziani adding empty-net goals to seal the win. Ruberto finished the afternoon with a massive 4-point performance (2 goals, 2 assists).

Between the pipes, Matt Sagrott earned his league-leading 10th win of the season, making key saves in a high-event game where the Tigers outshot the Saints 49-41.

The Tigers organization would like to thank the West Niagara Minor Hockey Association and the fans in West Lincoln for their incredible hospitality during the showcase event.

Final Scores:

Friday: Cambridge 8 - Stoney Creek 5

Monday: Stoney Creek 8 - St. Catharines 5

Next Home Game: February 28 vs, Wentworth Gryphins