In the 6th game of the season the Stars finally met their match and got tripped up by a strong Flames team that exemplified what the Stars are striving for...playing a team game with consistent effort through the game.
The Stars entered the game with all 16 players in uniform for the first time this season. The first period was the strongest period of the game for the Stars and they opened the scoring with an unassisted goal by Ben P. The Stars continued to press and create more chances right up to the first goal by the Flames about seven minutes into the game. The Flames then followed up with another goal right off the face-off at centre ice and it seemed to suck a little energy out of the Stars and they weren't the same the rest of the game. After a penalty by the Stars the Flames scored a power play goal to make it 3-1 Flames at the end of the first period.
Play in the second period was controlled by the Flames and the Stars goalie, Gavin S came up with a few big saves, including a great kick save, to keep the Stars in the game. Emma P of the Stars, playing her first game of the season on defense, also played a big role in keeping her team in the game by playing strong defensive game and putting forth an effort that made her stand out on the ice. After the second period the score remained 3-1 and the Stars knew they would have to dig deep to make it a game in the third.
Leading the Stars team to centre ice to begin the third period was the line of Evan H, Heather R and Zij M and with an opening face-off win by Evan, Zij was able to take the puck down the right wing and after his initial wrist shot was saved he was able to gather up the rebound and flip a back hand over the Flames goalie to close the gap on the scoreboard to 3-2 and the Stars had a little hope. However, shortly thereafter the Stars took another penalty and after the Flames scored on the power play for the second time in the game the Stars never recovered and in the end the Flames added three more goals to make the final score 7-2.
Following the game it was obvious the Stars were frustrated with the final result. Coach Mike made it known to the team that they needed to look back and learn from the result. The main thing was to make sure the team put a consistent effort in no matter the score. To emphasize the type of game they wanted to see the coaching staff made sure to recognize a player that exemplified the type of effort throughout the game and so they chose Emma P as player of the game for her show of determination while playing strong in front of her own net.
A bounce back effort will be needed as the Stars head on the road for their next game against the Oro Thunder.
Go Stars Go.
