The Windsor Spitfires skated to a 3-1 opening game victory over the Saginaw Spirit on Thursday night, in front of 5,083 fans at the WFCU centre. The atmosphere was electric while Captain Aaron Luchuk raised the Memorial Cup for the fans before puck drop. The fourteen new faces on the roster looked jittery and did take some time for the new young guns, to work on all cylinders.

PHOTO CREDIT - Tim Cornett, Windsor Spitfires

Windsor - September 22, 2017 - The Windsor Spitfires skated to a 3-1 opening game victory over the Saginaw Spirit on Thursday night, in front of 5,083 fans at the WFCU centre.

The atmosphere was electric while Captain Aaron Luchuk raised the Memorial Cup for the fans before puck drop. The fourteen new faces on the roster looked jittery and did take some time for the new young guns, to work on all cylinders. It wasn't until late in the third period with 1:48 remaining, Luke Kutkevicius, scored a game winning power play goal, to take a 2-1 lead. After trailing early in the game 1-0 the Spits found a way to grind out a victory.

Luke Boka tied the game at 1-1 at 12:36 into the second period. Jake Smith would add an empty net goal, to seal the deal. Cole Purboo failed to capitalize on a breakaway and Igor Larionov was robbed by Spirit goalie Evan Cormier both in the second period.

Michael DiPietro showed no rust and still had his Memorial Cup form in the home opener, making 26 saves. Mikey was not tested heavily but made some big saves, in a third period Spirit power play.

Captain Aaron Luchuk had a impressive night with five shots on goal, winning over 80% of the faceoff's and assisting on two goals. Luke Boka was a physical presence all game and looked in sync on the top line. Austin McEneny showed veteran leadership, on a young rookie spits blue line, logging heavy minutes and assisting on the first goal.

The Spitfires will face a tough challenge on Friday night when they play in London against the Knights. Game time is 7:30 pm.

Note: Igor Larionov Jr. showed great skill and potential for the young Spitfires and is already becoming a fan favourite. Igor's father and Hall of Famer from the Detroit Red Wings, was in attendance tonight at the WFCU to cheer on his son.

Photo by Lindsey Blake