Bears bounce back with an 8-4 win over Northstars

The Sydney Bears bounced back defeating the Newcastle Northstars 8-4 in a character defining win after a tough road trip. Young Bears goalie, James Downie recorded his first win of the season after a frustrating night in Canberra, to keep the Bears finals hopes alive.

“It just show the reliance’s of the boys after last night” said Bears coach Ron Kuprowsky “We managed to re-group and rejuvenate and come out with a big game tonight”.

(Sydney Bears James Downie in net for his first win of the season  - Photo Peter Podlaha)

Kuprowsky was full of praise for his young goalie, who made 25 saves on the night, including a number of clutch saves when the Northstars were on the power play in the final period.

“He’s got the greatest attitude you could ask for” said Kuprowsky “he’s 17 turning 27, he’s mature beyond his age, he keep his cool and bounced back and played great tonight”.

The Bears jumped out of the gates in the first period, thanks to goals by Nick Rivait and Tyler Noseworthy. The Northstars stayed in the contest, courtesy of a Joey Harchrick goal and the sides went to the first period break 2-1.

The Northstars tied the game 2-2 early in the second period, through defenceman Felix Poulin, who currently lead the AIHL scoring race, with 27 points in 15 games.

With the game in the balance, the Bears pilled on the pressure and were rewarded for their efforts. The home side scored four unanswered goals, including two power play goals, to blow the game wide open in the second period.

The highlight of the period came when Bears defenseman Nick Rivait scored an end-to-end to goal, deking through three of defenders, before burring the puck in the top corner with a pinpoint back hander.

“I had the puck on my back hand, and I looked up and there was a little bit of room of up stairs” said Riviat “I just threw it on net and it happened to slide in, it was a big one for our side”.

The Northstars clawed their way back into the contest in the third period, goals to Felix Poulin and Robert Malloy cut the lead to 6-4. However with the clock wounding down, the Northstars pulled their goalie for an extra attacker and the Bears seized the opportunity, scoring a pair of empty net goals to secure the 8-4 win.

(Newcastle Northstars Capatin Robert Malloy  - Photo Peter Podlaha)

Bears forward, Tyler Noseworthy was another notable standout for the home side, recording 6 points (2 goal, 4 assists).

The win moves the Bears to sixth spot on the AIHL ladder, while the loss relegates the Northstars to eighth place.

The Bears are back on road this week, heading back to Canberra to face the league leading CBR Brave on Saturday night, before coming home to host the Adelaide Adrenaline on Sunday night.

The Northstars will return to Newcastle as they prepare to take on the Adelaide Adrenaline on Saturday night in a must win game at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium.