SAGINAW, Mich. (CP) - A little familiarity went a long, long way for Hunter Tremblay.
The Barrie Colts star had three goals and two assists to lead the Eastern Conference to a record-setting 13-9 win over the Western Conference in the OHL all-star game Wednesday night.
The 22 goals, recorded before a capacity crowd of 5,527 at the Dow Event Center, broke the previous mark of 19 set in the '99 contest in Sarnia, Ont.
Tremblay, a right-winger, was named the Eastern Conference's player of the game and credited much of his success to playing on a line with Colts teammate Bryan Little, a centre.
"I took advantage of playing with my teammate," Tremblay said. "The combination was very helpful."
Little finished with a goal and three assists while Stefan Legein of the Mississauga IceDogs had two goals and an assist for the East. Tyler Donati of the Belleville Bulls, Nick Foligno of the Sudbury Wolves, Chris Stewart of the Kingston Frontenacs, Matt Caria of the Toronto-St. Michael's Majors, Jamie McGinn and Logan Couture, both of the Ottawa 67's and John Tavares of the Oshawa Generals had the other goals.
Rookie Steve Stamkos of the Sarnia Sting was named the Western Conference's top player after registering two goals and two assists.
"It's just outstanding to be singled out like that," said Stamkos who has set Sting records for goals (32) and points (68). "I just went out there and had fun and when you're playing with the best players in the OHL, it makes it that much easier.
"A win would've been the icing on the cake. Still, it was a very enjoyable experience and I hope to play in the all-star game next year."
Josh Bailey of the Windsor Spitfires and Patrick Kane of the London Knights both had two goals for the Western Conference. Dan Ryder and James Neal, both of the Plymouth Whalers, and London's Sam Gagner had the others.
The Western Conference held a 61-48 edge in shots on goal.
Barrie's Andrew Perugini started in goal for the Eastern squad and played the first half of the game, making 23 saves. But he had to return to start the third after Trevor Cann of the Peterborough Petes, who made 29 saves, suffered was injured late in the second.
John Murray of the Kitchener Rangers and Thomas McCollum of the Guelph Storm split goaltending duties for the Western Conference. Murray stopped 16 shots while McCollum turned aside 19 shots.
Despite the loss, Western Conference coach Dale Hunter, of the London Knights, couldn't help but be impressed by the offensive fireworks.
"It's a speed game out there and even though you try and get the guys to backcheck and help the goalies, the goals went into the net." he said with a chuckle. "All these kids are very good skaters and they all have great offensive talent.
"That's why they're here."