Stars Surrender Lead, Game

December 21, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Traverse City North Stars News Release


WYANDOTTE - Christmas is a season of giving, and the Traverse City North Stars were feeling especially generous on Sunday afternoon at Yack Arena, handing the sixth-place Motor City Machine just their sixth win of the season, 6-4.

The Machine (6-23-1) overcame a two-goal first period deficit, racking up a season-high half-dozen goals and snapping a five-game losing skid, as Traverse City (15-6-5) lost out on an opportunity to reclaim sole possession of first place in the NAHL North Division.

Josh Bussell recorded a hat trick for the Machine, and Motown goalkeep Matt Delaney played the role of Grinch, collecting 32 saves in 36 chances, including several of the spectacular variety. Brandon Stephenson spelled C.J. Motte after 20 minutes of action for Traverse City, and the two combined for 22 saves.

The madcap first period saw the North Stars race to a 3-1 lead for the third consecutive contest as Phil Wendecker (3:27), McLintock (12:49), and Travis White (13:33) each potted goals wrapped around a Motor City score. Bussell then single-handedly brought the hosts back on identical top-shelf, long-distance goals less than four minutes apart. McLintock and Motor City's Ryan Misiak traded second period tallies before Bussell broke the 4-4 tie a scant :55 into the final stanza. The Machine added an insurance marker with 4:58 to play to head home for the holidays with a two-goal triumph.

The North Stars will enjoy their own Christmas respite from NAHL action until traveling to Alpena for the third annual Diggers-TC clash on New Year's Eve. The Stars, 0-1-1 at Northern Lights Arena on previous Dec. 31 affairs, then begin a January homestand in which nine of 11 games will face-off at Centre ICE arena.



North American Hockey League Stories from December 21, 2008


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