Stars Juniors sweep to victory
2010-01-12
Empire Co-Captain solid in both ends of the ice
The Buffalo Stars Junior Program has been on a roll since mid December as all 3 teams continue to improve and advance in the standings in their respective leagues. This past weekend was an indication as the Stars swept all opponents for a 6 win weekend.In the Empire Junior B League, the Buffalo Stars faced off against the Elmira Junior Jackals and came away with a pair of wins: 7-1 and 9-1. Thirteen different Buffalo players got in on the goal scoring with Hayden Fitzpatrick, Time Uhteg and Matt Malley scoring twice each. Riley Struthers and TJ Gieczkowski led the way with 5 points each over the two game set.
“Our team has a balanced attack and anyone can score on any day” says Empire Head Coach Mike Scheu. “Our balance will be significant as we get into the home stretch of the season”. Goaltending is also a factor for this team as Christopher Paulin (.912) and Adam Kirk (.913) have shared the goaltending duties quite equally and quite competently.
The Buffalo Stars Empire team is on a 10 game unbeaten string which includes 7 victories and 3 ties. Buffalo last lost on November 22nd. The Stars are led by Kyle Leto (26 points) but 4 other Buffalo Stars players come in with 22 each: David Dvorak; TJ Gieczkowski, Danny Potter and Tim Uhteg. Combined with solid defense and strong goaltending, the Stars are looking forward to the post season and securing a high playoff position.
Currently in 4th place in the American Conference with a record of 17-8-3, the Stars trail 3rd place Brewster by 5 points but have 3 games in hand. These 3 games can be gained this weekend as the Stars travel to Bridgewater to take on Bay State, Salem and Bridgewater in the League Showcase. Bridgewater and Bay State have similar records with Buffalo having secured 34 points each in the National Conference. Salem has 17 points. Overall, the Stars are 19-9-4.
The Stars still have some significant weekends ahead including this coming weekend. The Stars still have to face thruway rival Maksymum twice more as well as series against Pittsburgh, Jersey and the Coyotes. The Stars also have a make up weekend with the Philadelphia Revolution that has not yet been resolved.
In Continental Junior B action, the Buffalo Stars traveled to Pittsburgh and swept the Junior Penguins in their 2 game series 5-1 and 7-1. Twelve different players scored a goal with Cody Teijeira being the only 2 goal scorer. This is a testament to the offensive balance on this Stars team. Mike Schalberg was the leading point getter over the weekend with a 7 point performance. Ben Johnston added 5 points.
“Every player stepped up to the plate this weekend” says Stars Head Coach and VP Junior Operations Jerry Shorthouse. “When this team is performing on all cylinders, we are hard to beat.” The Stars are getting balanced offense. Although rookie Andy Sturtz leads the way with 35 points, Mike Schalberg is right behind him with 26. After that, 14 other players have double digit offense. The Stars are also getting solid defense and some excellent goaltending. Rookies Ian Shorthouse and PJ Bluff have become an excellent goaltending duo.
The Stars CHA B team is on a 7 game undefeated streak which includes 6 wins and a tie. Their last loss was back on December 5th. The Stars recent success has propelled them into 3rd place in their Conference with a record of 16-8-2. Buffalo trails the 2nd place Philadelphia Blazers by 2 points. Buffalo has an overall record of 18-9-3. The Stars face a grueling road schedule the rest of the way with 2-game sets against the Philadelphia Revolution, Frederick Freeze, Philadelphia Blazers and Jersey Wildcats, all on the road before returning to Buffalo to close the season against New Hampshire. The Stars have a solid lock on a playoff position but are looking to move up in the standings to secure a more favorable position in the post season.
In Continental Junior C action, the Buffalo Stars also took on the Pittsburgh Junior Pens and swept their two game set as well by scores of 4-1 and 7-6. This come on the heels of a clean sweep last weekend over the Michigan Mountain Cats. With a 4 game winning streak, the Stars jump out of the basement and leap ahead of both Pittsburg and Michigan with a league record of 7-11-1. “This is significant as the team that looked to be destined for exclusion from the post season now finds themselves in a solid post season position” said Stars Associate Coach Mike Flatley.
Eight different goal scorers contributed to the Stars victory over the two day period. Singles by Shawn Commisso, Tommy Mullen Travis Densmore, Brandon Gallo, and Jeff Welch as well as doubles by Anthony DiChristopher, Jonathan Haun and Ashton Laird sealed the Stars victory. “The team is coming together as forwards, defense and goaltending are all stepping up and making contribution” stated Coach Shorthouse.
The Stars have remaining two game sets at home against Suffolk and Pittsburgh and on the road at Frederick and Michigan. The Stars are looking to continue with their improvement and hope to make an impact in playoffs. Four teams qualify for post season play and the top 2 get a chance to attend the USA National Championships. The Stars C squad has been a representative at the Nationals the past two seasons.
For more information about the Buffalo Stars, visit us on line at: www.buffalostars.com
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