CHELSEA, MI — Stefan Noesen’s goal with 51 seconds remaining brought the Plymouth Whalers back from a 2-1 deficit and the Whalers and Windsor Spitfires battled to a 2-2 tie in the Ontario Hockey League preseason opener for both teams. The game was played at the Arctic Coliseum in Chelsea, MI.

Stefan Noesen celebrates his goal that tied the score with 51 seconds left in the game.

Noesen’s goal came with the Whalers holding a 6-on-4 manpower advantage. Plymouth head coach Mike Vellucci pulled goaltender Matt Mahalak for an extra attacker and the Whalers already had a one-man advantage when Windsor’s Nick Ebert was sent off for roughing at 18:52 of the third period.

Noesen deflected Austin Levi’s point shot past Windsor goaltender Michael Nishi. Import Rickard Rakell drew the other assist on the play.

Earlier, Plymouth rookie defenseman Max Iafrate – the son of former NHL defenseman Al Iafrate – gave Plymouth a 1-0 lead at 4:47 of the first period when he accepted Sean Myers’ pass in the slot in the Windsor zone and beat starting Spitfires goaltender Josh Malecki with a quick shot from the hash marks.

The game stayed that way until late in the third period when Windsor struck for a pair of goals to take their only lead of the game. Defenseman Steven Trojanovic tied the game for the Spitfires at 14:37 with a low wrist shot from the high slot that beat Mahalak, who appeared to be screened on the play. Windsor took their first lead of the game with 1:20 remaining, capping off good pressure in the Plymouth zone when Eric Locke scored on a scramble at the side of the Plymouth goal.

That set the stage for Noesen’s equalizer. OHL teams do not play overtime or participate in shootouts during the preseason.

Scott Wedgewood started in goal for the Whalers and pitched a shutout through 29:07 of work. Mahalak went the rest of the way for Plymouth and allowed both Windsor goals. Malecki started the game in goal and was replace by Nishi at the 10:53 mark of the second period. Malecki and Nishi allowed one goal each.

Plymouth scratches included Josh Bemis, Austin Mattson, Tyler Seguin, Tyler Brown, Beau Schmitz, RJ Mahalak, James Livingston, and Robbie Czarnik. Windsor scratches included Jack Campbell, Troy Passingham, Ryan Ellis, John Bowen, Bryan Deeley, Cam Fowler, Grant Webermin, Anthony Cortellessa, Patrick Murphy, Alex Khokhlachev, and Brady Vail.

Plymouth and Windsor meet again in preseason play on Monday at 2pm at the Windsor Family Credit Union Centre.

For information on Whalers season or mini-plan ticket packages or to plan a group event for the Compuware Arena Drive-In Theatre or upcoming 2010-11 season, visit plymouthwhalers.com or call 734-453-8400.