The Chatham Maroons' slow start to 2026 continued over the weekend.
The team traveled to St. Thomas on Friday to take on the Stars and ended up losing 7-5. This is the Maroons' fifth loss in seven games to start the new year.
The first period saw the Maroons outshoot St. Thomas; however, the only two goals were both scored by the Stars.
It took only 12 seconds into the second period for St. Thomas to extend their lead.
Matthew Crawford opened the scoring for the Maroons a few minutes later with his second goal of the season. The only assist went to Santiago Jimenes.
Braeden Burke added his first of the season from Ian Lachance just a couple of minutes later, before Kaden Sienko tied the game with his eighth goal. Trevor Zanutto and Jaxon Priddle both earned points by assisting on Sienko's goal.
The teams would each score once more in the period, with Zanutto scoring the Maroons' goal. His 27th of the season was helped by Ewan McChesney and Lachance.
The third period saw St. Thomas score twice in the first six minutes.
Max Skinner scored his 15th of the season from Zanutto and Jimenes to cut the lead to one; however, that's as close as they would get to tying the game.
St. Thomas added one more to cap the scoring.
Viljami Kukkola allowed three goals on 12 shots before being pulled for Samuel DiBlasi. The last four goals were scored on DiBlasi, who made 20 saves in just under two periods of action.
The Maroons were scheduled to play the Elmira Sugar Kings on Sunday, but the game was postponed due to the weather.
The team will be back on the ice on Thursday in Sarnia against the Legionnaires. Puck drop will be at 7:10 p.m.
