Sarnia Legionnaires
2009 - 2010

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Sarnia Legionnaires vs St. Thomas
 December 22, 2009

 by Dan McCaffery
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  • The Sarnia Legionnaires were crushed 8 - 1 last night by the St. Thomas Stars.

  • Chase Clark got the lone Legionnaire goal (his 10th of the season). He was in the slot when he took a nice pass from Jesse Drydak and wired a wrist shot under the cross bar. Owen Rogers also had an assist.
     

  • Jesse Raymond went the distance in net for Sarnia, stopping 38 of 46 shots. St. Thomas goalie Jared Richmond, who was credited with an assist, made 21 saves to get the win.
     

  • The Legionnaires were missing Tommy Ziolkowski and Jake Unsworth. And Tanner Tomlinson was kicked out of the contest for checking from behind, leaving them with 15 skaters.
     

  • Sarnia returns to action next Wednesday when they travel to LaSalle. They are home to the St. Marys Lincolns on Jan. 14.
     

  • The Legionnaires are now 14-17-5, which leaves them tied with St. Thomas for sixth place in the nine-team conference. The first eight clubs make the playoffs.

One of the most legendary figures in Sarnia Legionnaire history had a great game at the Brock Street Barn last night.

Unfortunately, One-handed Marvel Scott Stafford was playing for the visiting St. Thomas Stars.

Stafford, who helped the Legionnaires win the Western Jr. 'B' championship last spring, scored a goal and an assist in the win.

The big right-winger, who was born without a left hand, had 11 regular season and two playoff goals in two seasons with Sarnia. Both his post season markers, which were game winners, came as the Legionnaires stormed their way to the 2009 Weir Cup.

At the conclusion of the campaign he left Sarnia to attend Brock University. Anxious to continue his Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League career, he signed with the Thorold Blackhawks, only to see the 'Hawks trade him to St. Thomas.

Prior to last night's contest Stafford was greet by loud chants of “Scotty! Scotty!” from the crowd of 1,186 fans.

In a pre-game ceremony, he was presented with a Legionnaire jersey with his name on the back. Former players Zack MacQueen, Tyler Peters and Anthony Donati received the same honour. Former team coaches Bill Abercrombie and Derek DiMuzio were also recognized. All six were unable to attend a game last month when the club celebrated the '09 Legionnaire championship squad.

After the game, Stafford said he was thrilled with the reception. He added the Legionnaire jersey will hang over his mantel. “I loved wearing that jersey and I was very proud to represent the Legion,” he said.

As he was mobbed by autograph seeking fans, he said, “I miss you guys.”

A little girl in a Legionnaire jersey responded, “We miss you.”

Stafford, noticing she had a sign that read 'Go Scotty,' bent over and signed it, thanking her for bringing it as he did so.

As for his performance, which earned him third star honours, he was the same humble Scott Stafford that local fans had come to know.

Asked to describe his shorthanded goal, which came on a deflection, he said, “Dave Morden and I were on the penalty kill and I actually think he got it and they gave it to me. He threw it to the net as we were going down low. I don't know if it hit a Legionnaire or if it me in the butt or the back, but I'll take it.”

Asked to describe his assist, he was again modest, saying it was “a second assist” in which he passed to Keenan Hall, who then set up Jeff Tervit for the score.

He said the Legionnaires will do better in the future, noting they were missing a number of players.

Stafford said he hopes to play one more year of Jr. 'B' hockey, then land a spot with the Brock University team.

 * Stafford now has seven points in eight games since joining the Stars.