The first game was at home on Tuesday, Dec. 7, at the River Lakes Arena in Richmond, which ended up in an 7-1 loss for the Stars.
The game started with both teams fighting for control of the puck and the usual crashing into the boards, but then AML got on the board first with a goal 5:49 into the first period.
The Stars went into action and tied it up at one. With under two minutes left, AML returned with another goal, to gain a 2-1 advantage at the end of the first period.
Scorewise, the second period wasn't very forgiving to the Stars. AML scored a total of four goals, with both teams showing aggressive skating and numerous penalties being assessed in the second period.
The third period was a little better, with the Stars managing to hold AML to only one goal.
| Annandale-Maple Lake-- | 2 | 4 | 1 | - 7 |
| River Lakes-- | 1 | 0 | 0 | - 1 |
First Period: AML-- Corey Simons (Phil Knese) 5:49; RL--Chris Brinkman (Mike Heinen, Brett Theisen); AML-- Jack Christian (Knese); Penalties: none.
Second Period: AML--Joe Christian (unassisted); AML--Seth Johnson (Craig Phoebe); AML--Fobbe (Johnson); AML--Christian; Penalties: AML- 4 for eight minutes; RL -- 4 for eight minutes.
Third Period: AML--Joe Christian (Johnson); Penalties: AML- 1 for two minutes; RL- 1 for two minutes.
Total shots on goal: River Lakes: 34;
AML: 28
Saves: River Lakes: Adam Hartfiel 20;
AML: 33.
Delano 6
River Lakes 2
The Stars' second game was against Delano, on Thursday, Dec. 10, at Delano.
The Stars played a good game, staying with their opponents until the end. They were tied at two after both teams scored twice in the second period, but Delano pulled away with four goals in the third to win 6-2.
The first period was fast paced and interesting, with each team holding the other scoreless.
The second period was much the same way, but with more scoring. Delano snuck it past the Stars' goalie to make it 1-0, in favor of Delano. But the Stars answered right back less than a minute later as the Stars scored a power play goal to tie it up.
Each team got another goal, so at the end of the second period, they were still tied at 2-2.
Then things started to fall apart for River Lakes. Delano came out roaring and got one goal. They continued to score three more goals that period, making the score 6-2, a heart-breaking loss for the Stars.
Delano might have scored many more, except for the extraordinary game by Adam Hartfiel in goal. He made 46 saves in 52 chances!
| River Lakes-- | 0 | 2 | 0 | - 2 |
| Delano-- | 0 | 2 | 4 | - 6 |
First Period: none; Penalties: Del-- 1 for two minutes; RL--none.
Second Period: Del--St. Aubin (Krueger); RL-- Derek Dohlen (Mike Stang); Del--Krueger; RL-- Darren Stommes (Brett Theisen, Dave Schramel); Penalties: Del-- 3 for six minutes; RL-- 4 for eight minutes.
Third Period: Del-- Yantes; Del-- Knisely (Krueger, Yantes); Del-- St. Aubin (Rakos); Del-- Knisely (Krueger, Rakos).
Total shots on goal: River Lakes: 13;
Delano: 52
Saves: River Lakes: Adam Hartfiel 46;
Sartell: 11.
The Stars hosted Mora last night at the Paynesville Civic Arena. They host Marshall in Paynesville on Saturday night at 7 p.m.