Jr. Nationals – Day 1

The Syracuse Stars Jr. B’s played the tourney favorite Boston Jr. Bruins in the opener for both teams at the Junior Nationals in Marlboro, Mass at the New England Sport Center. Unfortunately for the Stars they came out on the wrong end of a 4-2 score in Day 1 action. The Stars played well early but took a penalty midway through the first period. The Jr. Bruins, who have the best PP in the league were able to convert on the PP to make it 1-0. The score stood up until the end of the first period as Eric Sorenson played solid in goal for the Stars. On the first shift of the second period the Stars tied it up as Joe Wilson made a nice move to score 5 hole on a 2-1 rush. Joe showed great poise to pull Bruin goalie Clay Witt out of position and slide it home. Zach Marginsky and Brad Lukasz picked up assists on the play. The Bruins came right back to go up 2-1 but the Stars were able to pick up a PP goal of their own to tie it at 2. Mick Sicchio made a nice break up of a rush at the far blue line which led to a 3-2 rush the other way. Dillon Black set up James Cathers in the slot and he buried a shot low blocker to knot the score. Black and Sicchio picked up the assists. Unfortunately the Bruins got it right back on a rebound to go up 3-2 entering the 3rd period.

The Stars pressed in the 3rd period but couldn’t come up with the equalizer. Both teams PK units were able to kill 3 PP chances and Eric Sorenson made some big saves to keep it close. The Stars got the last PP with just over 2:30 to play. With the goalie pulled for an extra attacker they were able to muster up 3-4 good scoring chances but couldn’t get it tied up. The Jr. Bruins were able to pick up an empty netter with 12 seconds to play for the final 4-2 margin. The Stars put 28 shots on goal and Eric Sorenson had 27 saves for Syracuse in a solid outing,

The Stars will now face a must win game tomorrow vs. the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins of the CHA Jr. B league at 11:00AM.

posted 3/20/08
Syracuse Stars, NH Monarchs and Pittsburgh Penguins all battled in a Round Robin with Top 2 Teams advancing to the Championship game for National Tournament Seeding.  The Stars as a cohesive unit sealed the deal and will  compete in the 2008 Jr. B National Tournament.  "The chemistry at this time of the year is where it needs to be for all of these players to elevate their individual game and to gel as a team.  The team is playing together very well and all of us, including the staff, are looking forward to the upcoming National Tournament." Coach, Scott Montagna.  

For full schedule visit: www.empirehockey.com