Windsor Spitfires Defeat Kitchener Rangers

Michael DiPietro made 33 saves as the Windsor Spitfires defeated the Kitchener Rangers 6-2 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Friday night.

The Spits’ third consecutive victory pushed them into a first place tie with the Sault Ste. Mare Greyhounds atop the Ontario Hockey League’s West Division standings.

Gabe Vilardi, Luke Boka and Jeremy Bracco paced the Spitfires (32-11-5-2) offensively with a goal and an assist apiece while Cristiano DiGiacinto, Adam Laishram and Cole Purboo had Windsor’s other goals.

Spits’ defencemen Mikhail Sergachev and Jalen Chatfield both chipped in with a pair of assists.

Archie Henderson and Riley Damiani scored in the third period for the Rangers (27-19-2-2) to stop DiPietro’s bid for a second consecutive shutout

Kitchener starting netminder Luke Richard was pulled with just over five minutes remaining in the second period after allowing six goals on 21 shots. He was replaced by Luke Opilka who stopped all 12 shots he faced the rest of the game.

As has been the case many times this season, special teams played a large role in deciding the outcome of the game. The Spitfires scored (Bracco) on their only powerplay opportunity while the team’s league-leading penalty killing did not allow a goal during five shorthanded challenges.

The Windsor Spitfires schedule has them remain on the road and returning to action Saturday night for a game against the Attack in Owen Sound.