NEWCASTLE, NSW – The anticipated match up we’ve all been waiting finally arrived, as the two AIHL heavyweights came to do battle and claim early bragging rights. This belonged to Jeremy Boyer, Olivier Martin and their North Stars sealing a 5-1 victory over the visiting Melbourne Ice at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium 14 July 2012.
Photo courtesy of Paul Kelly %40 Shutter Speed Designs
Newcastle North Stars were chasing their eleventh win straight, with a hat trick from import Jeremy Boyer and imposing figure of Olivier Martin between the pipes ensured Newcastle number eleven. Newcastle winger Kevin Day was electrifying with his speed and former Gold Coast Blue Tongue David Upton scoring the other two Newcastle goals.
Newcastle’s first of two opening period goals coming inside the first minute of the game and never looked back. Controlling neutral ice and dominating Melbourne’s zone and it wasn’t until late in the period Melbourne started to enjoy some real time on the puck.
The second became an arm wrestle as Melbourne continued to slowly work themselves into the game. Midway through the second a Doug Wilson Jr. slap shot gave his team the only enjoyment of the game, with a power play goal and that was as close Melbourne would get to the North Stars.
Melbourne Ice may have been their own worst enemy, giving the North Stars a 5-on-3 advantage late in the second which resulted in two North Stars power play goals. The fourth goal coming with 0:01 on the clock, resulting in some discussion at centre ice on whether it beat the buzzer or not. Melbourne clearly not happy believing the goal was scored after the buzzer.
With Melbourne having to make up a three goal deficit in the third, forward Joey Hughes is called for a ten-minute misconduct. Not happy with the call Hughes moments later was ejected from the game which surely put the final nail in Melbourne’s coffin. Newcastle’s David Upton sealing Melbourne’s fate with a minute remaining.
A fast, exciting game which many believe to be the preview to this season’s Grand Final, which ironically is to be held at this very venue.
In Perth, Western Australia the Thunder hosted the Sydney Bears in an important game for the home side. For the Bears it’s about regaining that winning feeling, a club steeped in history and pride. For Perth the newcomers to the AIHL, a win would see them in real striking distance of second placed Adelaide Adrenaline who have the weekend off.
Photo courtesy of Paul Kelly %40 Shutter Speed Designs
It was to be the Bears night recording a solid 6-4 victory, making it two from their last three outings. Bears opened the scoring just 29 seconds into the opening period, which quickly became 2-0 before the Thunder mounted their challenge. The first became a goal feast which saw the Bears head to the break with a 4-2 lead.
The second saw the Bears once again on the scoreboard just 39 seconds in, once again issuing their challenge to the Thunder. Perth’s third for the game came courtesy of a man advantage in what seemed to be a tightly fought contest. Both teams a little more undisciplined, keeping the penalty box occupied but fortunately not costing either side and Bears taking a 5-3 advantage into the break.
Thunder started the third with 0:58 on power play and 31 seconds into it score to make it 4-5 to the Bears. It would be the Bears to score what would be the final goal five minutes later sealing a remarkable 6-4 victory over in the wild west.
In the late game the Gold Coast Blue Tongues found themselves back in the winner’s circle after a hard fought and physical encounter against the Canberra Knights in Brisbane over night. The 5-1 victory was the Blue Tongues first since 16th June in Melbourne. This win now puts the Gold Coast back one point clear in third place in the Eastern Conference.
Gold Coast forward James Sanford picking up 4 out of the 5 Blue Tongues goals, Mike McRae with 3 assists and Anthony Kimlin making his presence felt between the pipes raking up a high save percentage.
Blue Tongues lead the Knights 1-0 end of a torrid opening period, extending that lead with a 2 goal to nil second. The Knights did claim a consolation goal late in the third but it was all in vain, as the Blue Tongues once again outscored the Knights 2 goals to 1 in the final period and claim a well earned victory.
Just two games to be played Sunday 15th July, Melbourne Ice will look to regroup against second placed Bauer Conference Sydney Ice Dogs in Sydney. The Sydney Bears head to the Icehouse in Melbourne where the Mustangs eagerly wait for their arrival. The Mustangs will be confident after their huge 3-2 regulation win in Adelaide after suffering the 10-0 humiliation only the day before.
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