NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Stars Fall in Game 2, 7-3

April 7, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Traverse City North Stars News Release


KALAMAZOO - The Traverse City North Stars' backs are against the proverbial playoff wall after Kalamazoo took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five NAHL North Division semifinals on Saturday afternoon at Wings West Arena, pounding the Stars by a 7-3 margin after claiming Friday's opener, 4-0.

On Saturday, it was Traverse City that got out of the blocks quickly, as Sean Murphy (Cary, NC/Tri-City USHL) gave the visitors the lead just 1:15 into the contest. After Kalamazoo evened things up, Murphy connected with Nathan Harris (Fowlerville, MI/Lansing Capitals U18) on a deke-and-dunk pass that Harris drove into the net at the far post.

The 2-1 first intermission lead would be TC's last, however, as the K-Wings rattled off four second period goals - sandwiched around an Eric Rivard (Traverse City, MI/TC North Stars NAHL) tally - to jump ahead 5-3 after two frames. Kalamazoo would add a pair of scores in the third to claim the blowout and command of the series.

The Stars were outshot 31-29, enjoyed just a pair of power plays, and surrendered two goals to the Wings' power play unit. Among the few bright spots was the pugilistic prowess of Alexander Taulien (Crystal Lake, IL/TC North Stars NAHL), who blistered Austin Hervey with a series of body shots and uppercuts in a lopsided scrap late in the first period.

Chris Leibinger (Saginaw, MI/TC North Stars NAHL/Michigan Tech) assisted on Murphy's opening salvo, Chris Waterstreet (Northville, MI/TC North Stars NAHL) keyed the Harris marker with a deft up-the-boards pass after drawing in two defenders, while Harris collected the only assist on Rivard's lamplighter.

Kyle Laslo (Fenton, MI/Osoyoos KIJHL) made 24 saves as the North Stars allowed a season-high seven goals.

The series shifts to Centre ICE Arena next weekend, as the Stars will have to sweep the Friday-Saturday set and then take a decisive Game 5 in Kalamazoo on April 16 if they hope to advance to the North Division finals.

• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...

North American Hockey League Stories from April 7, 2012


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.

Other Recent Traverse City North Stars Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central