The Soo North Stars made a huge statement in their opening game of the National Midget Hockey Championship Central Regional Playdowns in Belleville on Monday night.
Facing the host Quinte Devils, the North Stars scored a big 8-1 win to improve to 1-0 in the seven-team round robin tournament.
The North Stars, champions of the Great North Midget League, return to action on Tuesday at 3 p.m. against the Waterloo Wolves.
Zack Torquato led the North Stars attack with three goals and two assists while Matt Caria added a goal and three assists. Kyle Rodgers, Matt D'Agostini, Tyler Gendron and Paul DuPont added a goal each while Michael D'Agostini recorded two assists.
In other action on day one, the Markham Waxers opened the tournament with a 4-3 overtime win over Quinte. The Gloucester Rangers blanked the Toronto Marlies 3-0 and Waterloo defeated the Greater Kingston Predators 5-1.
On Tuesday, Markham plays Gloucester at 9 a.m., Toronto plays Greater Kingston at noon while Quinte battles Gloucester to conclude the day's action at 7 p.m.
The top four teams after the round robin will advance into Saturday's semi-final games. The gold and bronze medal games are scheduled for Sunday.
The eventual winner will advance to the National Midget Championship April 19-25 in Kenora.
To visit the host Quinte's tournament web site, click here.
*** STANDINGS:
(wins-losses-ties-points)
Soo North Stars 1-0-0-2 Waterloo 1-0-0-2 Gloucester 1-0-0-2 Markham 1-0-0-2 Toronto 0-1-0-0 Greater Kingston 0-1-0-0 Quinte 0-2-0-0
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