THUNDER BAY – Sports – The Thunder Bay North Stars have opened their 2012-2013 hockey season. The North Stars are at the Fort William Gardens for hockey action.
The new coach for the North Stars is Kevin Kahoot. The team is under new ownership this year, and from the early going, it appears the players are responding well.
The Stars got off to an early start with a goal slide behind the Sioux Lookout Flyers goaltender. The goal at the 3:10 second mark of the first period was scored by Jordan Davidson, assisted by Paul Zysko.
Norh Stars scored a second goal when Mason Prout, assisted by Bryce Martyn and Dylan Mascarin netted the puck on a power play goal 9:11.
The third goal of the first period came with 8:56 left in the period. Trevor Hynnes scored the goal with assists from Paul Zysko, and Alex Vaillant.
The North Stars are off to a fast start. The Sioux Lookout Flyers struggled on the opening weekend. That struggle is continuing.
Second Period:
The second period is underway with the North Stars in a short handed position. The team has been looking sharp through the first period, and skating hard. Early in the second period, the team is maintaining their composure and killed the Flyer’s penalty easily.
At the 17:56 mark of the period, Brenner Blankenship was called for cross-checking putting the North Stars on the power play.
The Sioux Lookout Flyers are looking a little frustrated and have hit the penalty box again with Brody Frostey getting a seat in the sin bin for delay of game.
The pace of the play mid-way through the second period has slowed slightly.
The Sioux Lookout Flyers had a couple of good scoring chances with 12 minutes left in the period. The North Stars were looking a little lax. However the team is picking up the pace again.
The Flyers are up 19-13 in shots on goal at the 11:21 mark of the period. The work of Jayme Brattengeler in goal has kept the North Stars ahead.
With nine minutes left in the period tempers flared in the North Stars zone. As the fists flew, the referees worked hard to separate the players.
The officials have taken several minutes to sort out all the penalties. Sent the to box for the North Stars are #14 Dylan Mascarin, and #11 Cory Lacosse. # 26 Paul Zysco has a five minute penalty. for instigating and a game misconduct. For the Flyers, #17 got five minutes for fighting and a game misconduct for being third man in.
After about ten minutes, the officials appear to have sorted out all the penalties.
The Flyers then received a bench minor for two minutes, the teams are playing four on four.
The Sioux Lookout team got their best chance of the night with just about four minutes left in the 2nd. The puck slide along the goal line as Brattengeler tried to reach the puck – it stayed out.
With 2:17 left in the period, the North Stars potted a pretty goal taking a 4-0 lead on the power play. The goal was scored by #4 Matt Kaarela, assisting were Bradley Cox and Marshall Fox.
Third Period:
The North Stars have hit the third period flying. The team has scored two goals The 5th goal was scored by Matt Kaarela assisted by Mitchell Fox. The sixth goal by Mathias Gardiman assisted by Mitchell Fox and Dylan Mascarin. The goal was scored on the power play.
The game has racked up penalties, with the very frustrated Flyers getting a fair number of minutes in the sin bin. The North Stars are getting a few penalties too, but are doing the goal scoring.
The officials are working, so far in the 3rd period to assert their authority, and have handed out a lot of penalties. That is slowing the pace of the game down.
The North Stars bid for a shut out ended however ended with 11:46 left to play. The Flyer’s goal was scored by Matthew Schwehr assisted by Kyler Ackewance. The Flyer his the net fast with the second Flyers goal that snuck between the North Stars goalie’s pads. That goal was scored by Kyler Ackewance Goal and assisted by Niles Owen and Matthew Schwehr.
The Flyers are appearing to be fighting their way into Wednesday’s game.
The North Stars responded with a quick goal with 10:57 left to play. Shots on goal are at 27-26 for the Flyers. Mason Prout scored with assists from Bryce Martyn and Jordan Davidson.
The final score was made by Marshall Fox who put the North Stars atop assisted by Trevor Hynnes and Dylan Loisel.
Final score was 8-2 for the Thunder Bay North Stars who remain undefeated this season.
For those hockey fans looking to enjoy a good night of fast paced action, the Thunder Bay North Stars will hit the ice at 7:30PM on Wednesday night when the teams meet for a rematch.
Get all the game stats at www.sjihlhockey.com