North Stars win battle over Cubs

It may not have been a pretty sight, but the Soo North Stars got what they wanted in Great North Midget League action over the weekend.

The North Stars earned a weekend sweep of the New Liskeard Cubs at the John Rhodes Community Centre, defeating their northern opponents by scores of 4-0 on Saturday and 5-1 on Sunday.

A strong performance from goaltender Thomas Gravelines led the north Stars to Saturday evening's victory as the young netminder turned aside the Cubs any time they tried to turn momentum in their favour.

Something that North Stars coach Mike Hall was happy with all weekend, Ryan Dube also put in a strong effort between the pipes on Sunday afternoon.

"I thought Thomas Gravelines played great (Saturday) and deserved the shutout, Hall said. "Ryan Dube played well again today. Defensively the kids are playing extremely well. As a coach it's a good problem to have that these kids are playing so well."

On Saturday, Brad DiCandia led the Stars offensively with a pair of goals while Adam Pyymaki and Dylan King each chipped in with a goal and an assist.

In Sunday's game, a very chippy affair, Mike Rivard paced the locals offensively with a pair of goals of his own. Dan Vernelli, Dean Howard, and Trevor McNutt also scored for the North Stars while Pyymaki added a pair of assists in the victory.

Although happy with the two wins, Hall was concerned with some aspects of his team's weekend victories.

"I thought we were real sluggish in the first game," said Hall. "It was kind of your typical first game after winning a tournament. (Sunday) I thought we played okay but we weren't sharp on the power play. It's tough when you play a game like that, when you play a team that's totally undisciplined. It's hard for kids to stay focused. We got the four points so we'll take it and get out of the weekend without any injuries."

Hall was also not impressed with the play of the Cubs in Sunday's game.

"It wasn't a fun game (Sunday)," said Hall. "That's not the way hockey should be played. At the end of the game we were just keeping the puck in our own zone. We don't need a guy to take a two-hander or for them to take a run at one of the guys. There wasn't much discipline, like the check on Dan Vernelli, was totally uncalled for.

"I don't blame Dan for getting upset. It's a 5-1 game and a guy absolutely runs him. It's totally uncalled for. They aren't second or third in penalty minutes for nothing. I'm not saying we're angels, but you can only put up with so much. All-in-all I thought our kids did a pretty good job with it."

The North Stars played the games without the services of three players, out with various injuries. Defenceman Nic Lang is currently out with a torn groin while fellow defenceman Kevin Mills is also out with a groin problem. Forward Jerry Petingalo is currently out with a broken leg.

"We're hoping Mills will be back for Sudbury. We're hoping Lang will be back for the Steel City. Petingalo has still got another two or three weeks before he can start skating," Hall said of the injuries.

Next action for the North Stars will be on Dec. 28 and 29 when they face the Sudbury Nickel Capitals in Sudbury. The team does not have another home game until the Steel City Tournament, which kicks off on January 5.