Perth Edges Newcastle in Dramatic Away Doubleheader
Images: Ashley Hayes
Newcastle’s Northstars had a tough challenge in Perth on the weekend with a doubleheader out west. Newcastle walked away with one point from Saturday's clash, which went all the way to a shootout.
They went down 2-3 on Saturday night in a shootout and then 2-4 on Sunday Night in regulation time.
On Saturday night, the Northstars started new goaltender Mitsuaki Inoui in net. Despite playing hard, they suffered numerous penalties, which slowed their momentum. The first period ended scoreless, but the second was full of action and penalties.
Unfortunately, Perth scored their first two goals while shorthanded as the Northstars failed to capitalise on powerplay opportunities. The teams went to the second intermission with Perth leading 2-0 over the visiting Newcastle team.
The third period had a lot of action as Daniel Berno scored a powerplay goal to get the visitors on the board. Perth responded by extending their lead, but Kyler Matthews closed the gap again. However, Perth found the net again to take a 4-2 win.
On Sunday night, Charlie Smart was the starting goaltender for the Northstars. The Perth native had a fantastic game in his former home rink.
Berno again opened the scoring for the visitors with a powerplay goal, but Perth equalised before the first intermission. The game was fast-paced and end-to-end, with fewer whistles and penalties compared to Saturday's matchup.
The second period was scoreless, setting up an exciting third period. Both teams came out with momentum, moving the puck with scoring opportunities at both ends.
Francis Drolet got the first goal of the third, putting Newcastle ahead for the first time that weekend. The teams battled until the regulation clock expired, forcing 3-on-3 overtime.
After a scoreless 5-minute overtime, the game went to a shootout. The Northstars dominated overtime possession but could not seal the win. It took nine rounds before Perth emerged as the final victors.
“I thought on Saturday that we were right there in the game and the same on Sunday,” said Head Coach Kevin Noble.
“Overall, the effort was there; there was no lack of effort or attention to detail. We unfortunately just didn’t have it offensively, but it was a good weekend of hockey. Sunday was exceptional from the guys, and I’m really proud of the overall effort all weekend.”
The Northstars return home for a doubleheader next weekend. Tickets are available at northstars.thundertix.com—they are selling fast! Saturday, June 8, vs. Melbourne Ice; Sunday, June 9, vs. Perth Thunder.
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