The competition against Brainerd was the last regular season game for the Stars. When the Stars take on their opponents, it seems like a tradition to have a scoreless first period. Once again that proved to be true as the Stars had a slow start in the first period. Both teams had chances to score as both committed penalties.
Between periods, the Stars discusssed finishing their regular season with a bang so they would have a positive outlook for the playoffs. They began to click in the second period when senior center Kari Turkowski scored a breakaway goal with assists by Melissa Jungels and Courtney Karsch.
This goal encouraged the Stars to do their best and win. The offense had some great passes and shots, and the defense's breakouts really improved in the second period to help the Stars take the lead.
With only a couple minutes left in the second period, Brainerd managed to get a goal past the Stars after several shots on net. But this didn't affect the Stars, since they were still playing great. They knew that they had one whole period left to go.
The third period was really exciting, especially after Marya Losinski scored a goal for the Stars. Every player on the ice had to work hard at all times for that goal and it paid off. Losinski's goal was assisted by Anne Bohlamn from the point.
"We played a really good game defensively," said assistant coach Jim Caron.
The Stars ended their regular season with a 14-6-2 record overall and 4-4-2 in the Central Lakes Conference.
The River Lakes Stars also had a scrimmage against Little Falls on Tuesday, Feb. 1, in Richmond. Seniors did not play. The scrimmage was for the other players to get experience under their skates for next year when the team's seven seniors will have graduated.
It ended in a tie at 1-1, and Losinski scored the Stars' only goal. Emily Moschkau did a great job in goal, stopping some good shots.
All the girls put in a lot of effort and played some great hockey.
The Stars had their first playoff game yesterday against Thief River Falls in Richmond. If they win, they will play on Friday, either in St. Cloud or in Richmond.
| River Lakes-- | 0 | 1 | 1 | - 2 |
| Brainerd-- | 0 | 1 | 0 | - 1 |
First Period: no scoring;
Second Period: RLÐKari Turkowski (Melissa Jungels, Courtney Karsch); BÐNatalie Dunphy (Megan Whalen);
Third Period: RLÐMarya Losinski (Anne Bohlman).
Penalties: RLÐfour for eight minutes;
B-four for eight minutes.
Shots on goal: Stars, 17; Brainerd, 24.
Saves: RL- Shari Vogt, 23.