K-Wings Stonewall TC

Published on February 8, 2012 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Traverse City North Stars News Release


TRAVERSE CITY - The Traverse City North Stars were busy in the offensive zone on Wednesday evening at Centre ICE Arena, but could convert just once in 39 chances in a 4-1 loss to Kalamazoo.

The Stars (19-15-5) enjoyed decided edges in possession and shots on goal through the first two periods - including a 17-6 run in the second - but it was the Jr. K-Wings that made the most of their opportunities.

"We outshot 'em, and even dominated for stretches," said Stars GM Anthony Palumbo. "I didn't think we played poorly - there were a lot of good things to take away from it. In fact, if a couple of breaks had gone our way we'd have been right in it. That's just the way it goes sometimes."

The visitors scored the first goal of the game with 6:41 to go in the middle stanza, and built a 3-0 lead midway through the third before TC finally solved Wings goaltender Alex Okicki with 4:38 to play. Kalamazoo added an empty-netter in the waning minutes to push it to a three-goal final tally.

Sean Murphy (Cary, NC/Tri-City USHL) bagged his 12th goal of the season on a nifty setup pass from Will Badner (Cadillac, MI/Motor City NAHL), giving the hosts a glimmer of hope, but even with an extra attacker on the ice for a spell, the Stars couldn't best Okicki down the stretch.

"We had a short lineup, we dressed all the guys we could, had an affiliate player come up (Lansing's Conor Durgan) and they did a good job," Palumbo surmised. "We'll get some guys back and have a full lineup this weekend, and try to build on some of the good things we did tonight. The power play was better, and we got good shots to the net."

Kyle Laslo (Fenton, MI/Osoyoos KIJHL) made 24 saves in the Stars' net.

The North Stars remain lodged in third place in the NAHL North Division, 13 points behind second-place Kalamazoo in the chase for the second and final home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Fourth-place Michigan will visit Centre ICE Arena on Friday for a one-game set, with the Stars traveling to North-leading Port Huron on Sunday afternoon.

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North American Hockey League Stories from February 8, 2012


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