The Sarnia Sting's first road effort of the 2015-16 season was near perfect.
The Sting, backed by the strong goaltending of Justin Fazio, made Sasha Chmelevski's first OHL goal stand up as the game winner in a 1-0 shutout of the Colts in Barrie Thursday night.
Chmelevski, the Sting's first pick in this year's OHL Priority Selection, scored the game's lone goal midway through the first period.
His shot from the slot deflected off a defender's stick and fluttered over MacKenzie Blackwood into the Barrie goal. Alex Renaud and Jeff King drew assists on the play.
The goaltenders took over after that, each making several key stops.
Sarnia outshot the Colts 40-26 but couldn't extend their lead against Blackwood who was selected 42nd overall by the New Jersey Devils in this year's NHL draft.
Fazio recorded the first shutout of his OHL career and was named third star. Blackwood was second star and Chmelevski was awarded first star honours.
There were 3,184 on hand at the Molson Centre for Barrie's home opener.
The Sting (2-1) continue their early season northern road swing with games in North Bay Friday night and in Sudbury Sunday afternoon at 2pm.
Listen to all the action on 103.9 FM, 1070 AM CHOK.