Windsor Spitfires vs Flint Firebirds January 3 2023 Game Recap

	1st	2nd	3rd	T
Flint Firebirds	0	2	1	3
Windsor Spitfires	2	1	2	5

The Spitfires seized the game’s momentum early on, with Noah Morneau taking the lead. Despite his initial shot being blocked, Morneau didn’t lose hope. He took another shot, this time from a broader angle, finding the net’s top corner, giving the Spitfires a 1-0 lead.

Shortly, Valentin Zhugin amplified the lead by scoring a power play goal. He flawlessly executed a cross-ice pass from Oliver Peer, beating Nathan Day, to put the Spitfires ahead, 2-0.

Following 15 minutes of scoreless play in the middle frame, three goals were netted in less than two minutes. With the Firebirds on a power play, Tristan Bertucci passed the puck to Nolan Dann, who scored off a deflection, pulling Flint within a goal.

However, the Spitfires retaliated swiftly. Liam Greentree skillfully dodged two defenders and dished a backhanded pass to Jacob Maillet, who sealed another goal for the Spitfires, making the score 3-1.

Undeterred, Nolan Dann scored his second goal of the period, once again narrowing the gap. This time, Kaden Pitre assisted Dann, who faked a pass before snapping a quick high shot, making the score 3-2.

With less than 11 minutes left in regulation, Braeden Kressler won an offensive zone draw. Matthew Jenken shot the puck that deflected off his defender and ricocheted into the left circle. Nathan Aspinall quickly took a shot, scoring the equalizer.

Inside the final four minutes, Conor Walton scored off a deflection, giving the Spitfires a 4-3 advantage.

The Firebirds attempted a comeback, pulling their goalie for an extra attacker. However, Jacob Maillet took advantage of the empty net, extending the Spitfires’ lead to 5-3.

The Spitfires improved their record to 12-20-3-0, riding high on their recent victory.

Photos: Tim Jarrold – In Play! magazine