Despite some positive aspects of the game, the Sarnia Sting lost to Saginaw at Progressive Auto Sales Arena Friday night 7-4.
Alex Geci scored his first OHL goal and first goal of the night for Sarnia during the first period. He had assists from Josh Vogelsberg and Ashton Reesor.
Nolan Burke scored the second goal in the first while Nolan Dann strengthened Sarnia's lead in the second with a third goal.
The Saginaw Spirit returned with two goals in the second period.
Sarnia's fourth goal of the night was scored by Theo Hill in the second period with assists from Ty Voit and Brayden Guy.
However, Saginaw came back strong in the third period with five more goals.
Sting General Manager Dylan Seca said "tides turned" during the second half of the game.
"It's not a panic situation, although it's probably easier said than done, but the truth of it is, you see pockets of time where we're playing the right way and we're getting rewarded for it. [There] just has to be some lessons that we've got to continue to learn."
Seca also noted it's still early in the season.
Despite the loss, Seca recognized the positives of the game with Geci's first OHL goal and Hill's first goal since opening night.
"[It's] good to see Alex get going. Hill has had chances literally every game once a period and it's nice to see him capitalize. It's a regroup situation," said Seca.
"We have to find a way to stay resilient. The best part of this league is you're either going to dig deep or they're going to blow your doors off. We're going to see how we respond [Saturday night].
The two teams will square off again Saturday at Dow Event Center. Saturday night will be the Sting's first time crossing into the U.S. this season. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m.
You can hear the action live on CHOK with Leigh Cunningham and Patrick DesRochers. Pregame coverage starts at 6:30 p.m.