North Stars capture regular season title

With more than a month still remaining in the Great North Midget League regular season schedule, the Soo North Stars wasted no time in capturing first place honours.

The North Stars opened the new year with a two-game road sweep over the North Bay Trappers to clinch first place overall and secure home ice advantage through the GNML playoffs, which begins in February.

On Saturday, the North Stars opened with a 5-3 win before scoring a convincing 10-0 victory on Sunday to clinch and improve to 26-1-0-2 overall in the GNML.

Matt D'Agostini scored twice to lead the North Stars on Saturday. Michael D'Agostini and Paul Dupont each scored once and added an assist while Kyle Rodgers scored once and Michael Sharp recorded two assists.

Travis O'Brien recorded the win in goal while the locals outshot the Trappers 44-22.

On Sunday, the North Stars grabbed a 5-0 first period lead and cruised the distance for a shutout victory.

Michael Maulucci kicked aside all 26 shots he faced for his first shutout of the season while the Soo peppered the North Bay net with 49 shots.

Matt D'Agostini exploded with four goals and an assist while Tyler Gendron scored twice and setup three others. Sharp scored once and added four helpers, Michael D'Agostini scored once and added three assists, Adam Kauppi added a goal and an assist while Zac Torquato scored once.

Michael D'Agostini leads the team in scoring and sits third overall in the league with 19 goals and 36 assists for 55 points with Torquato right behind with 18 goals and 33 assists for 51 points.

Matt D'Agostini leads the league in goals with 29 while Maulucci continues to lead the pack with a 1.83 goals against average.

The North Stars return to action on Thursday to open the annual Steel City Tournament. The locals play the Michigan Jaguars at 6:30 p.m. at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

Next GNML action for the North Stars is Saturday, January 17th at 7 p.m. as the locals open a two-game set at the Rhodes against the Rayside Balfour Jr. Sabrecats. The teams meet again the next day at 1 p.m.