Under the gleaming lights of Newcastle's rink, the Stars extend their winning streak to an impressive 5 games in an epic clash with the Durham Crusaders.
In the electric atmosphere of Newcastle's own ice palace, the Stars shone bright against the Crusaders in a regular season rumble that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. The Stars, playing host, outshone their rivals with a dazzling 5-1 victory, lighting the lamp in style against a tough-as-nails Crusaders squad.
As the puck dropped, the Stars' #87, Ethan Leerschool, didn't waste any time showing off his net-ripping skills. Just 7:46 into the first, he pounced on a rebound from Gage King, who had received a slick dish from Greyson Rutherford, and sent the biscuit sailing past the stunned Crusaders' goalie.
The Stars' tape-to-tape artistry was on full display at 6:15, with Little Leersey, Malloy, Wood, and Watson breaking out of the zone smoother than fresh Zamboni ice, nearly resulting in a goal.
Archer Scott of the Stars then took a trip to the sin-bin at 05:37 for a minor tripping infraction, but Zach Mercier and Greyson Rutherford stood tall on the penalty kill, shutting down the Crusaders with some stalwart defending.
With the clock ticking down in the first, Gage King, Carter Hutchison, and Ethan Leerschool turned Durham's zone into their personal playground, creating a flurry of scoring chances as the period came to a close.
The second period saw Grayson Malloy of the Stars break into the zone like a freight train at 11:50, charging the net and nearly lighting the lamp with a heart-stopping play. A few greasy seconds later, Eastyn Bacon dangled a player in the corner, freeing himself for a chance to put the stars up by 2 but was robbed by the stalwart Durham post protector.
Owen Tomlinson, the Stars' guardian of the twine, made a save that stunned onlookers and then Ethan Leerschool, hungry for more, found the back of the net again at 10:57, fed beautifully by Gage King. Then, Tomlinson made an epic kick save at 10:10, keeping the Crusaders at bay.
Despite being shorthanded due to a hooking penalty, the Crusaders managed to sneak one past Tomlinson at 07:54, but their joy was short-lived.
After a few impressive scoring chances from Lou Civello, Archer Scott, fresh out of the penalty perch, made amends by intercepting a pass out front and burying it past the netminder at 12:04 in the third. Soon followed up by who else but Big Leersey, unleashing his third puck missile, making it rain headgear from the rafters of the Newcastle Barn.
Shortly afterwards Grayson Malloy, showing his defensive chops, breaks up a Crusader's rush with a poke check that was nothing short of heroic. Owen Leerschool then turned on the jets, demonstrating his defensive prowess and relentless puck pursuit at 9:30.
Dustin MacDonald, not to be outdone, kept the rubber flying towards the Crusaders' net as Tello grinded on the boards like a true biscuit boss. The scoring fiesta continued with Gage King finding the back of the net at 05:31, capping off a remarkable night for the Stars.
In the dying minutes, the Stars' defense, led by the larger than life Lowery, stood like an impenetrable wall, breaking up any hope the Crusaders had of a comeback. Tomlinson, in a display of sheer goalkeeping brilliance, kept the Crusaders' attempts at bay, sealing a memorable 5-1 victory for the Newcastle Stars in a game that had everything a hockey fan could ask for!
Till next time, keep your stick on the ice 🏒 and hockey in your heart ❤️
- Tucker "Top Shelf" McCallister