Stars strong again in weekend performance

In Empire Junior B action, the Buffalo Stars traveled to Fitchburg, Mass for the New England Huskies Showcase. The Stars would play a 2 game set against the host Huskies and the Green Mountain Glades.

First up were the Huskies as the Stars took command of the game early. Frankie Buttino slammed home a power play goal just 3:43 into the game. Joey Johnson came back 2 minutes later to put the Stars up by a pair. Josh Smith closed the scoring at 16:53 of the half and the Stars had a commanding 3-0 lead.  The Huskies came flying out in the 2^nd half and quickly cut the Stars lead to 2 just 2 minutes into the game but Kyle Leto countered for Buffalo 4 minutes later and the Stars held on for a solid 4-1 victory.  Adam Kirk recorded the victory by turning back 23 shots.

Next up would be Green Mountain.  The Stars started out a bit flat and allowed the Glades to strike first 10 minutes into the half. Kyle Leto countered for Buffalo late in the half and the period ended tied at one.  In the second, the Glades once again came out flying and took an early lead once again. Back and forth action ensued until the 17 minute mark when David Dvorak tied the game at 2. Both teams battled to a draw and into the OT period and the game ended tied at 2 all.  Goaltender PJ Bluff, up from the Stars CHA B team turned back 28 Green Mountain shots to record the tie.

The Stars were impressed by the number of College Scouts that attended this event.  The Buffalo players also got to enjoy a Division 1 College game between UMass Lowell and Princeton on Friday night. Many thanks go out to UMass Coach Blaise McDonald for his generous contribution of tickets to our team.

With the 3 point weekend, the Stars improve to 13-8-1 on the regular season and 15-9-2 overall. The Stars are now in 6^th place overall in the Empire Junior B Hockey League based upon win percentage.

In Continental Junior B action, the Buffalo Stars played host to the Springfield Pics.  Springfield has been struggling this season and their games against the Stars would be an uphill battle.  On Saturday, the Stars were the feature game as part of their Annual Christmas Party. The stands were packed with 500 people from their Buffalo Hornets Youth affiliate and the crowd would be treated to an explosion of scoring.  Springfield was never really in the game as the Stars exploded for 13 goals en-route to a 13-1 victory.  Andy Sturtz led the way for Buffalo with 3 goals and 3 assists, Cody Tiejiera added 3 and Ryan Sheehan added a pair.  Singles were registered by Corey Kifner, Steven Minderler, Michael Boice, Zack Haun and Scott Rogers.  Defensman Tyler Clegg registered 3 assists.  Stars goaltender Ian Shorthouse turned back 25 Springfield shots to record the win.

On Sunday, it was pretty much the same as the Stars breezed to a 10-3 victory.  Veteran Christopher Kinney was the star of the day with a 3 goal, 1 assist performance. Andy Sturtz added a goal and 3 assists to cap off a 10 point weekend. Single goals were scored by Cody Tiejiera, Tyler Kissel, Ryan Sheehan, Zack Haun, Frank Briandi and Anthony Pellittieri.

Buffalo improves to 13-8-1 in league play and 15-9-2 overall.

Both Buffalo Stars B teams are in action this weekend as they travel to Philadelphia to take on the Revolution Empire and CHA teams respectively.  The Stars CHA C team is off until December 28-29 as they host the CHA Select Showcase in Buffalo at Holiday Twin Rinks.

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

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