Team | GP | W | L | OTW | OTL | CP | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adrenaline | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Lightning | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Brave | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Rhinos | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Northstars | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Player | Points |
---|---|
Connor Bolger (CCR) | 0 |
Mackenzie Bolger (CCR) | 0 |
Estefano Bonfante (CCR) | 0 |
Jack Buffey (CCR) | 0 |
North Stars rally against Ice |
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The Newcastle North Stars have kept their playoff chances alive by beating the Melbourne Ice 4-2 at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on Saturday night. The home crowd was treated to an entertaining and close fought match dominated by slick puck handling and strong goaltending from both teams. The victory moves the 2013 finalists up to sixth place on the AIHL ladder and keeps them in the hunt for the 2014 playoffs. North Stars coach Garry Doré said he was pleased to get the victory, particularly against such a strong opponent. “There were two teams out there to play hockey and come away with the win,” said Doré. “But we played really hard and kept persevering right to the end. That’s all I want to see from the team.” Newcastle goaltender Harrison May repeatedly thwarted the Ice attack and earned individual praise from his coach. “Harrison had the best game I’ve see him play,” Doré said. “He was focused and really on top of his game.” Both teams played strongly from the opening puck drop but the North Stars took an early lead though a power play goal to Australian international representative Adam Geric. Ice alternate captain Thomas Powell briefly levelled the score before Newcastle’s Cody Danberg struck late to give the North Stars a 2-1 lead at the first break. Jeremy Brown and Matt Armstrong both impressed for the away team and the Ice drew level in the closing stages of the second period when Armstrong fired one into the North Stars net on a power play. However the North Stars once again went into the break with the lead when Beau Taylor made it 3-2 with only 16 seconds left in the second period. Newcastle sealed the victory when Danberg bagged a second in slick passing play with Matt Wetini in final period. Ice coach Brent Laver was happy with his team’s performance but was disappointed to not get the win. “That was a real stinger as we did a lot of good things but we weren’t able to capitalise,” said Laver. “We felt like for the majority of the game we were on top. But their goalie was fantastic and made it really difficult for us.” Laver couldn’t fault his team’s effort and hailed the performance of his veterans. “Our senior guys really stood up - Matt Armstrong, Jason Baclig and Tommy Powell, they had some good chances on every shift.” Laver said. “That’s what we’re looking for from those guys and they played really well tonight.” Coming into the match the North Stars were in serious danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since entering the competition in 2002. Victory over the Ice has moved them to within striking distance of the top four. However Doré insisted that the North Stars need to win all their remaining matches to make the playoffs. “We need every win now, we can’t afford any more loses,” said Doré. “It’s important to remain focused and not take any risks. We have to play the systems hard and get the goals in order to secure the wins.” The Newcastle coach acknowledged they had some tough games remaining but is confident they will feature in the finals. “I think our toughest game will be against Canberra next Saturday,” said Doré. “They’re a really good team this year. Following that we’ve got some home games and a tough road trip to Melbourne, but it’s certainly doable.” The North Stars travel to Canberra to take on the Brave next Saturday and back up with a home game against the Sydney Ice Dogs on Sunday whereas the Melbourne Ice played the Sydney Ice Dogs on Sunday before a bye weekend next week. |
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Contact Information
Australian Ice Hockey League Ltd
Level 1
7 Lonsdale Street
Braddon, Australian Capital Territory
2612 Australia
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