The Norman Northstars seem to have started 2019 off on the right foot, picking up three of a possible four points in a pair of games against the Parkland Rangers.
The Northstars captured the lead early, as Mikey Baron potted his first of two goals on the night just over six minutes into the first period. Jamie Valentino and Hunter Rambow would add the other goals as the Nor-Man squad came away with a 4-1 victory. Keistin Saunders added two helpers, while Braedin Melsted made 34 save to pick up the win. The one of the few negatives from the win was a third period injury to Baron, with co-coach Glenn Laycock telling Arctic Radio News after the game that he could have a broken ankle.
Yesterday’s game did not go according to the script for either team, with the Rangers skating away with two points following a 6-5 shootout win. Parkland led 3-0 after the first period, and 5-2 after 40 minutes. The Northstars stormed back in the third period with three unanswered goals from Saunders, Valentino and Jordan Pfoh to force overtime and secure a point for each team. Garrett Hrechka and Hayden Lacquette were the only players to score in the shootout, giving the Rangers the extra point.
The Northstars remain in the Manitoba Midget “AAA” Hockey League basement with 12 points and a record of 5-25-1-1, two points back of the Rangers and the Interlake Lightning.
The Nor-Man side remains at home next weekend, as they welcome the 10th place Central Plains Capitals to the C.A. Nesbitt Arena. Central Plains sports a record of 13-18-0-1, and is coming off a 4-3 win over the Southwest Cougars.
