Guelph Storm Celebrates Season-Opening Victory
- Friday, September 19th, 2025 - 10:33 pm
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The Guelph Storm opened their Ontario Hockey League season with a 5-3 win over the Erie Otters Friday night at the Sleeman Centre, with veteran players taking charge despite a rookie-heavy lineup.
Nineteen-year-old forward Hunter McKenzie scored twice, including a shorthanded goal in the first period and an empty-net marker late in the game. Overage forward Ethan Miedema contributed a goal and an assist to pace the offence.
The Storm dressed seven rookies, with five players away at NHL camps and two sidelined by injury. Head coach Cory Stillman said the team leaned on its older players to secure the result.
“We had a lot of first-timers out there getting the nerves out,” Stillman said. “We had a letdown in the second period, but the veterans stepped up when it mattered. This league belongs to the 19- and 20-year-olds down the stretch.”
Guelph built a 2-0 first-period lead on breakaway goals from Miedema and McKenzie. Rookie Noah Jenken extended the advantage early in the second, but Erie responded with two goals to close the gap.
SWEEET CAROLINEEEE, WE'RE 1-0!
— Guelph Storm (@Storm_City) September 20, 2025
We're back in action tomorrow night as we head to Barrie and take on the Colts. pic.twitter.com/M4da6kJw3l
The game turned in the third period when Jaakko Wycisk set up Carter Stevens on a two-on-one rush to restore a two-goal lead. Erie answered with a shorthanded goal, but McKenzie’s second of the night sealed the victory.
Goaltender Colin Ellsworth stopped 25 shots in the win. Veterans Leo Serlin and Rylan Singh were also noted for their steady play, especially with three rookie defencemen in the lineup.
For McKenzie, the strong performance came after an emotional off-season marked by the loss of his brother in a car accident. “It feels amazing, gets my mind off it,” McKenzie said following the game.
Stillman praised McKenzie’s effort. “It was great to see him score twice on opening night,” he said. “It’s been a tough summer for him, and the team is here to support him.”
The Storm were without Jett Luchanko, Charlie Paquette, Quinn Beauchesne, Rowan Topp, and Grant Spada, all away at NHL training camps.
Guelph continues its opening weekend schedule with a road game in Barrie on Saturday night.
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