STARS SPILT THE WEEKEND!
Submitted By tmacmillan on Mon 10 03, 11
On Saturday afternoon, the Atom Jr. Stars traveled to London for our first road game of the season against the Oakridge Aeros. Another slow start for the Stars saw Oakridge draw first however, excellent team play through the 2nd and 3rd periods accompanied by strong goaltending proved to the difference as the Stars collected their second victory of the season.
Oakridge scored just 1:34 into the 1st period on a low shot to the glove side that beat Taylor Honsinger who was deep in his net. Not to be shaken, Honsinger refocused and went on to turn away everything else Oakridge had to offer. Nik Churchill opened the scoring for the Stars in the 2nd period after receiving a pass from behind the net and quickly depositing the puck behind Oakridge’s goalie. Just 1:40 later, Churchill struck again, notching his second of the game and giving the Stars the lead after making good on a loose puck in the crease. On the power play, Tyler MacMillan added another by splitting the defence and sliding his backhand over the goal line. Miles Vaughan’s empty net tally rounded out the Stars’ scoring with just 0:59 remaining in the 3rd. Strong defensive play throughout the game, excellent player support and solid goaltending were keys in this 4-1 victory.
Assists to MacMillan, Ian Westaway and Brad Grignard
On Sunday, the Atom Jr. Stars hosted the Burlington Bulldogs at the Timken Centre in St. Thomas. Hoping to build on the team’s success form Saturday, the Stars challenged Burlington to a scoreless 1st period, thanks to solid goaltending by Brett Chapman. And although the Stars held their opponents off the score sheet, they were not able to create very many offensive chances for themselves. The game remained scoreless deep into the 2nd until Burlington managed a power play goal with only 1:12 remaining. Burlington struck again in the first minute of the 3rd, putting the Stars down by 2. Tristan Cruickshank finally put the Stars on the board, scoring his first of the season, with just over 13:00 remaining. By capitalizing on a strong team effort to keep the puck in offensive zone, Cruickshank’s wrist shot from just off the face-off dot found its way up and over the blocking arm of the Burlington goalie. Now within a goal, the Stars still struggled to pressure Burlington offensively. Even a man advantage with less then 5:00 remaining couldn’t spark our players. Burlington added another with less then 2:00 on the clock to take a 3-1 victory home with them. A tough loss for the Stars as this game could have had a much different outcome if not for the lack offensive pressure and several missed teamwork opportunities. In defeat, Chapman still managed one of his strongest games, turning away 30+ shots.
Assists to Nelson Clarke and Drake Hunter.