Bit of a shocker as the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks opened their regular season home stand at the Plex -- losing 2-1 to the Mapleton-Minto 81's on Friday night.

The Winterhawks are now 1 and 1 on the young season.

New head coach Peter Roedger says he recognized the type of game it was going to be where his squad will take a lot of shots on net but won't score and the other team gains confidence and the next thing you know you're on the short end of the score.

The Winterhawks' only goal came from the stick of Bryan Kazarian, who was named player of the game.

Roedger admits the 81's played a good game and their goalie Kyle Levay was particularly good.

81's co-coach Ryan Fisk says he would never have predicted a close 2-1 upset score against the Winterhawks in their home opener.

Fisk says there's no doubt his team has improved after losing several players to injuries last year.

He says the team is playing together and the confidence is building.

Elsewhere in WOAA Senior Hockey action of note -- the Shallow Lake Crushers shut out the Lucknow Lancers 5-0, the Durham Thundercats edged the Elora Rock 6-5 and Goderich lost 12-2 to Tillsonburg.

The Saugeen Shores Winterhawks are back at it Saturday night in Ripley when they tangle with the Wolves.

Game time in Ripley is 7:30 PM.

The next home game for Saugeen Shores is next Friday night at the Plex against the Lucknow Lancers.