The Atom Jr. Stars hosted the West London Hawks at home this past Sunday. The afternoon game turned out to be a exciting contest that saw an improved defensive effort by the Stars team which lead to a victory, and improve their league record to 1-1-1.
London opened the scoring late in the 1st period when a loose puck in the crease found it’s way up and over Brett Chapman’s glove and just under the cross bar. Both teams had a number of scoring chances throughout the period but couldn’t get anything more past either goalie
Just past the halfway point of the 2nd period, Harrison Bell notched his team leading 4th goal of the season. A power play marker on a goal mouth scramble. Only 0:50 later, after splitting the defense and coming in on net all alone, Nik Churhill was pulled down from behind and awarded a Penalty Shot. Taking the puck from centre ice, Nik made the most of his opportunity! Fading to the right, he held the puck just long enough for London’s goalie to move first. As the goalie slid across the crease to cover the post, Nik lifted the puck over the netminder's outstretched leg and into the back of the net, giving the Stars a 2-1 lead.
Into the 3rd, Brad Verhoeven converted another power play goal with a wrist shot from just outside the slot, giving the Stars a 3-1 lead. A momentary defensive lapse by the Stars just 1:20 later, left a London player alone in front of our net with the puck. Making no mistake, he fired the puck past a defenseless Chapman, reducing the Stars’ lead to one. London would continue to pressure, but the Stars remained focus and continue to play strong defensively. Chapman continued to turn away the limited chance London did have. With less then 1:00 to go, London added the extra attacker, but couldn’t find the net as the Stars finished the game strong and on track.
Assist to Verhoeven, Brad Grignard