Team | GP | W | L | OTW | OTL | CP | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northstars | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
Lightning | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
Adrenaline | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
Brave | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Rhinos | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Player | Points |
---|---|
Aiden Wagner (NNS) | 18 |
Wehebe Darge (NNS) | 15 |
francis Drolet (NNS) | 15 |
Zane Jones (PER) | 13 |
Goalie | SV% |
---|---|
Rhys Pelliccione (PER) | .950 |
Tatsunoshin Ishida (MIC) | .933 |
Leo Bertein (PER) | .905 |
Charles Smart (NNS) | .903 |
North Stars remain undefeated |
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The Newcastle North Stars continued a perfect start to the season, defeating the Melbourne Ice 4-2 at the Medibank Icehouse on Sunday night.
The win sees the North Stars having claimed the first four games of the season, dealing the Melbourne Ice their first loss after three games.
In a hard fought game, a sole string from Jason Baclig was all that separated the teams after the first period.
Ice goalie Jaden Pine-Murphy was the key for the home side, keeping out all 14 North Stars shots.
The Ice had a rollercoaster game, raising expectations by grinding out a lead at the end of the first before succumbing to three North Stars goals in the second.
Melbourne Ice coach Brent Laver recognises that momentum is an influence on performance during the game, but believes that “there was still a good vibe” going into the second period.
After seeing his charges spend plenty of time in the penalty box, Laver said. “We had to try and work out how to get that momentum back”.
After a worrying first period for the North Stars, it seemed that the previous night’s win over the Mustangs had taken its toll.
Yet the persistent New South Welshmen proved otherwise, biting back in the second period with Geordie Wudrick and Jan Safar teaming up to open the Stars’ account before Moffatt and Wudrick teamed up twice in a matter of minutes to give the visitors and two-goal lead.
North Stars coach Andrew Petrie recognises that facing seasoned teams such as the Ice is a daunting challenge, but believes his team’s speed, tempo and character distinguishes them as a considerable and serious threat when they hit the ice.
“As deep as their skillset is, their character is even deeper,” he said. “They’re really committed to what we’re trying to do. We defend as a unit. All five guys are focusing on looking after our house.”
The Ice’s potential comeback in the third, spearheaded by Matt Armstrong with an unassisted goal, was short-lived and overshadowed by a number of two match penalties to Cassian Delsar and Brendan Oakes.
With a glimmer of redemption next week in New South Wales, Brent Laver says there will not be much difference in the Melbourne Ice playing style, despite changes to the North Stars’ set-up.
“The blueprint is there,” Laver said. “If we execute that, we can have another great game.”
“We really want to focus on this trip to Newcastle,” Laver added, alluding to the struggles the Ice have experienced on road trips to New South Wales in previous seasons.
The Melbourne Ice will travel north to challenge the North Stars at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on May 9. Puck drop at 5pm. |
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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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