North Stars defense stifles Kirkland Lake

The Soo North Stars used a solid defensive effort to silence Kirkland Lake's offensive guns and pad their lead atop the standings.

Holding the Legion 87's to just 18 shots and getting a key performance from call-up Matt Irving, the North Stars cruised to a 4-1 win in Great North Midget League action on Saturday night at the John Rhodes Community Centre.

The North Stars pick up the victory after dropping their first GNML game in regulation time last Sunday in New Liskeard 5-4. The win extends their record to 18-1-0-2 for 38 points, cushions their lead to 11 points over second place Timmins and 12 points over Kirkland Lake while securing the team a playoff berth.

"We have some games in hand on the top teams and they don't mean anything unless you win them but we were able to do that and it is nice to be able to pad the lead in the standings," said North Stars head coach Mike Hall.

Irving, called up from AA Midget Northside Toyota, scored the opening goal early in the contest before Brian Nault tied the game for Kirkland Lake to close the period.

Irving netted his second goal and the game winner early in the second period as he snuck the puck past Kirkland Lake goaltender Brian Owen on the short side. Adam Kauppi deflected a Paul Dupont pass into the net for a 3-1 lead while Michael Sharp completed the scoring with a late third period marker.

The North Stars were able to hold Kirkland Lake's sharp shooting duo of Gary Welch and Mike Burtschenko, the league's top two scorers, off the scoreboard and limited the 87's to few quality scoring chances.

"We have been fortunate with these guys this year. We have been able to shut them down each time and we have only given up five goals to them in three games," said Hall.

"They are kind of a one-dimensional team in the scoring department and we are fortunate that we have three solid lines to go to.

"We didn't have to match-up with them tonight and we could thrown any one of our three lines out there against their top line. And once against we have an affiliate player come up, play well for us and contribute."

Dupont recorded three assists while Matt Caria added a pair for the North Stars.

The two teams will meet again on Sunday afternoon at the Rhodes beginning at 1 p.m.

"I expect the same type of game (on Sunday). They are a hard working team and they don't quit. Hopefully we can keep sending pucks at the net and keep the number of shots against down," said Hall.

Following Sunday's game, the North Stars will host Sudbury for a rare Tuesday game at 7 p.m. at the Rhodes before heading to Rayside next weekend.