Stars defeat Bears in showstopper

The Newcastle Northstars left Macquarie Ice Rink with all three points after a tough win over the Sydney Bears on Saturday night.

The first two periods saw the Northstars controlling a majority of the play and allowed the team to move into the final period with a 3-0 lead after goals from imports Felix-Antoine Poulin, Joe Harcharik  and Steve Kuhn. 

Although, from the stands, it appeared that Kuhn scored the opening goal. 

“The first forty minutes of the game were exceptional," Newcastle coach Andrew Petrie said.

"We did everything we wanted to do. Our shutdown defence system worked really well.”

There was a lot of tension on the ice and talk between the benches during the opening half. The tension snapped at the end of the second period when Northstars captain Bert Malloy and Patrick Ward from the Bears got caught up in a scuffle. 

Each player received a four minute minor penalty for slashing. 

The third period was definitely one of the most intense periods of hockey. 

The Northstars extended their lead 4-0. 

Kuhn was credited with the goal but from the stands it appeared that Kale Kerbashian scored. 

Tensions again came to a boiling point between David Ferrari and Jeremy Brücker resulting in five minute minors for fighting and a game misconduct for each player. 

Overall the Sydney Bears had 52 shots on goal. 

Northstars goaltender Nick Mizen pulled off some phenomenal saves during the game and was on absolute fire. Coach Petrie agreed.

“I don’t know who was counting shots tonight, but Nick will be happy with the stats," Petrie said.

"Nick did a great job!”

In the last seven minutes the Sydney Bears dug their heels in and found some strength to pull back 4-3 in, for Northstars supporters, a terrifying show of skill. 

Pulling the goaltender in a last ditch attempt to level the score, a defensive lapse by the Bears saw Kerbashian rob the puck, dart the length of the ice and score an empty net goal with 0:01 left on the clock.

The final score was 5-3.

The Newcastle Northstars play at home on Saturday, July 15 against Adelaide Adrenaline. The puck drops at 5pm.