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Port Huron Holds off Stars, 4-3

November 20, 2011 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Traverse City North Stars News Release


TRAVERSE CITY - The Port Huron Fighting Falcons scored first, built leads of 3-1 and 4-2, and hung on for an eventual 4-3 triumph over the Traverse City North Stars on Saturday evening at Centre ICE Arena in the finale of a prolonged three-game sequence between the clubs.

TC claimed Wednesday's lid-lifter in Port Huron, 6-2, the Falcons scored a 4-3 victory in a shootout on Friday at Centre ICE, and the visitors repeated the feat on Saturday in regulation.

"It was a good game, both teams had chances, and we played well for stretches again," said Stars head coach Chad Fournier. "But I still don't think we've strung together a full 60 minutes yet; we're still working toward that."

The first-place Falcons (16-8-2) broke the seal on Saturday, just over five minutes into the contest. It took the North Stars a little more than two minutes to respond, as Will Badner (Cadillac, MI/Motor City NAHL) racked his seventh goal of the year. The rest of the period belonged to Port Huron, however, and the Falcons assumed a 3-1 advantage at the intermission.

Traverse City (9-5-4) roared back in the middle frame, outshooting their foes 16-3, but an Alexander Taulien (Crystal Lake, IL/TC North Stars NAHL) tally 49 seconds into the period was the only dent the Stars could make on the scoreboard.

Port Huron made it a 4-2 contest seven minutes into the final stanza, but Eric Rivard (Traverse City, MI/TC North Stars NAHL) cut into the deficit with a power play marker less than two minutes later. Despite some furious TC forays in the offensive zone, and 50 seconds of extra attacker time, the Falcons survived to claim the series and extended their NAHL North Division lead to six points.

"We didn't play that complete game, but there were some things to like about our effort tonight," Fournier added. "We didn't quit, I'll give 'em credit there. We got down by two goals a couple times and got right back after it.

"We're a young team that's still learning how to win consistently, but I'll say this: We've lost nine games, and four of them were in overtime or a shootout. Of the regulation losses, we got blown out by four goals in one game, and lost by two goals in a game we dominated. That means we've lost seven games by a single goal. We're right there. If we can get to that consistent 60-minute game, we'll be on the other side of a lot of these tight games."

The North Stars, now two games into a seven-game homestand, will host a pair of games around the Thanksgiving holiday this week. The Michigan Warriors visit Centre ICE on Wednesday for a 6:30 p.m. contest, with Port Huron making a return visit on Black Friday at 7 p.m.

The latter game will feature the North Stars sporting special U.S. Coast Guard-themed jerseys (for auction during the game along with a number of silent auction items), and fans are asked to help stuff stockings for 1,200 Michigan National Guardsmen in Afghanistan through Operation American Soldier. Fans can bring small personal items, sundries, and non-perishables that will be packed and sent to the deployed troops.



North American Hockey League Stories from November 20, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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