Midget Trappers blanked by North Stars

North Stars goalie Jake Patterson covers a rebound with Trappers closing in. Photo by Chris Dawson.

For the second straight game the North Bay Trappers put fourth a solid effort against the first place Sault Ste. Marie North Stars and for the second straight game it resulted in a close loss.

This afternoon the Trappers (6-27-1) dropped a 3-0 decision to the North Stars (27-3-3) at the West Ferris Community Centre.

Despite dropping both games versus the North Stars this weekend Trappers head coach John Couch was pleased with his team’s effort.

"I'm very proud of all the guys in our dressing room. Back in November we dropped a double digit game (13-1) to these guys and this time around we kept both games close."

The Trappers trailed by just one goal heading into the final period, mostly due to the play of Trappers goaltender Mitchell Knight.

"To keep that game as close as he did in the first two periods before we got back into our system in the third (period), he was fantastic," said Couch.

Knight thinks that a solid performance like this one could help out the Trappers down the line.

"A game like this can only help. We proved that we can play against the best team in the league. For me especially it was big, it gives me confidence knowing I can play well against them. I also picked up a few tendencies from some of their players - where they like to shoot from different spots and such."

North Stars goalie Jake Patterson matched his counterpart with a solid game, denying the Trappers numerous times in tight.

Aiden Wright led the way for the visitors with two goals and Darcy Casola had the North Stars other tally.

Both teams also had bigger things on their minds throughout the game, as this is a preview of what will be a first round Great North Midget League quarter-final.

"We can play with them," said Couch

"We've played them five games in a row and we played with them in every game. But the thing is with the Soo if you give them an open shot or some open ice they make you pay. We need to work on that for the playoffs."

With first place already clinched North Stars head coach Mike Hall was just looking for his team to show some consistency throughout this weekend.

"We've been struggling through injuries and inconsistent play lately so this weekend was important for us to get back on track."

After a scoreless first period the North Stars found the back of the net just 47 seconds into the second stanza.

Knight got a piece of Wright's shot from the point but it trickled off his glove and into the net.

The North Stars almost doubled their lead before the end of the period when Casola streaked in on a breakaway, but Knight made a nice kick save with his left pad to keep the game tight.

However, early into the third period the North Stars would double their advantage, as Wright's shot from in close beat Knight.

Just over three minutes later the North Stars sealed the win when Casola's wrist shot from the left faceoff circle found the back of the net.

The Trappers had a few chances later in the game to get on the board – the best being a wraparound try from Tyler Field – but Patterson stood tall.

Trappers notes

The Trappers missed the scoring of Dylan Staples who served the first of his four games for a hitting from behind penalty assessed during Saturday night's contest...With a number of injuries on the Jr. A Trappers roster, expect at least one Midget Trapper to get the call Wednesday night to dress at affiliate players for the Juniors who host the Blind River Beavers on Wednesday night.