STARS SWEEP SHAMROCKS IN OPENING SERIES

09.17.07 by Mike Klein


Boston, MA- Two years ago, the Syracuse Stars joined the Eastern Junior Hockey League and met a roadblock courtesy of the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs in their inaugural game. This past weekend, the Stars served the Boston Jr. Shamrocks a rude welcome at Walter Brown Arena, winning 6-1 on Friday and 10-2 on Saturday.

Friday's tilt remained scoreless until midway through the first, when Craig Perham scored from Nick Bettano. Five minutes later, Dan Ford set up Matt Wilson for a power play goal to tie the game. Kurt Akers put the Stars on top with 2:09 left in the period with Matt Tardif and Tyler Davis receiving assists.

The Shamrocks kept the game close in the second thanks to strong play by goaltender Scott Barchard, but Rob Morton hit Trevor Lewis on the point, and Lewis rifled a shot past Barchard for another power play goal with 11:22 remaining in the second frame. Two minutes later, Chris Cannizarro sent a cross-ice pass to Lewis, who banged the puck home glove side.

Morton would net his first goal of the game with four minutes remaining when Dan Ford took a shot from the high circle that was initially saved by Barchard, but Morton put away the rebound.

Syracuse extended the lead when Morton poked in a Trevor Lewis shot that sat on the goal line after being deflected by Barchard, his only mistake in an exceptional third period. The Shamrocks threatened midway through the period, but Stars goalie Chris Noonan was equal to the task and kept the hosts off the board.

Saturday's game started off as a defensive battle and showcase of Shamrocks goalie Josh Ofner's skills. Despite an all-out assault, Ofner swatted away several shots with ease. The Stars found a crack in Ofner nine minutes into the game when Trevor Lewis took a slapshot from the top of the circles and Rob Morton and Chris Cannizarro each took jabs at the puck before Cannizarro's attempt slid into the goal.

Midway through the period, Matt Wilson snuck a shot past Ofner with Lewis and Dan Ford receiving assists.

The Shamrocks kept Syracuse at bay until Morton netted a power play goal courtesy of Cannizarro and Ford. Ninety seconds later, Jake Delavalle dished the puck to Mark Zengerle, who shot it over Ofner.

Three minutes into the second period, Kurt Akers set up Matt Wilson on a 2-on-2 shorthanded goal. Morton added another power play goal two minutes later with help from Cannizarro and Ford.

The Shamrocks finally got on the board when Zach Robinson and Joshua Mandic set up John Celli for a goal with 13:42 remaining.

A late penalty proved costly for the Shamrocks when Chris Cannizarro hit Matt Wilson with a pass across the slot, and Wilson shot it behind Ofner with less than one second left in the period.

The game remained at 7-1 until nine minutes into the period when Jared Williams picked up a loose puck and fired it off Ofner's glove into the net. Kurt Akers would add a goal from Dan Lassik with 9:33 left, and Rob Morton netted a power play goal from Lassik and Trevor Lewis with 7:21 on the clock.

Michael Herhal rounded out the scoring for the Shamrocks with 6:32 remaining. Craig Perham and Nick Bettano assisted on the play.

The teams return to action at the Junior Bruins Shootout on Friday. All games are at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro, MA.

-Mike Klein, 16 September 2007