Stars host the "Battle for New York"

Cross state rivalries are always a challenge and this upcoming weekend, one of the best rivalries in junior hockey will happen as the New York Applecore come to visit the Buffalo Stars at both the Empire Junior B and CHA Junior B levels.

In Empire Junior B action, the test will be tough as the New York boys have stormed through the early season with an impressive 15-1 record, tops in the league. Having won every single game since their season opening loss, the “AC” has racket up 89 goals and only allowed 30. Their goaltenders Josh Blum (1.87gaa) and Jim Georges (2.15gaa) are second and fourth respectively among goaltenders in the league.  AC also sports solid defensive play and a potent attack led by Ron Kokas (31 points) and Michael Cambria (28 points).  Led by legendary coach Henry Lazar, the boys from AC appear to be the team to beat in the Empire this season.

The Buffalo Stars Empire B team is making a name for themselves as well in this still young season. Having earned a respectable 10-4 league record and 12-5-1 overall, the Stars are certainly contenders for the Western Conference. The Stars trail the Jersey Hitmen, Brewster and AC but have games in hand on all of them.  Buffalo has been getting some great goaltending themselves of late in Adam Kirk (2.32gaa) and Christopher Paulin (2.44gaa) good for sixth and eighth respectively among all league goaltenders.  Buffalo too sports a balanced attack as no less than 6 players have achieved double digit offense. Kyle Leto and Danny Potter lead Buffalo forwards with 11 points each. Defenseman Hayden Fitzpatrick leads all Buffalo defensemen with 9 points. Coming off a 2-1 victory over Rochester Maksymum this past Wednesday night, the Stars go into the weekend having won 5 of their last 6 games, all against tough opponents.  The path for Buffalo to contend for the Conference Championship begins this weekend.

Game times at Holiday Rinks are 7pm Saturday and 12:45pm Sunday.

In Continental Junior B action, the Battle for New York continues as the Buffalo Stars host the Applecore Continental B “young guns” team.  With a record of 4-13, AC has struggled early on this season. They dropped their first 13 games of the season but have made significant improvement in recent weeks and are currently on a 4 game winning streak.  The “core” has offensive power in Chris Brown (21 points) and Mike Defrancesco (16 points) but has given up 109 goals on the defensive end.  Currently sitting 9^th overall, AC needs to continue their winning ways in order to contend for the 8^th and final playoff spot in the league.

The Buffalo Stars Continental B team got off to a slow start but has made significant improvement. The addition of defensemen Matt Long and Scott Rogers has anchored the blueline while goaltenders PJ Bluff and Ian Shorthouse have made significant improvement in their game. The Stars are currently on a 6 game winning streak and are playing with more confidence every day.  Rookie forward Mike Schalberg has taken over the team scoring lead with 13 points but rookie Andy Sturtz (13 points) has rejoined the team after a 6 game stint with the Stars Empire team.  Buffalo with a league record of 8-5-1 sits in 3^rd place in the conference and 6^th overall in the league. The Stars are 10-6-2 overall.

Game times at Holiday Rinks are 4pm Saturday and 10am Sunday.

The Stars Continental Junior C team has the weekend off but resumes action next weekend.

For more information about the Buffalo Stars, visit us on line at: www.buffalostars.com

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