ROUND-UP Busy weekend as Stars record mixed fortunes

IT was one win and two defeats for Dundee CCS Stars at the weekend.

They travelled to Braehead on Friday and were unlucky to come away empty handed after a 3-1 loss to Clan.

On Saturday, they returned to Dundee to record a 4-1 win over Edinburgh Capitals that ensured their progress to the latter stages of the Challenge Cup.

Last night’s game in Coventry saw Stars amass 35 penalty minutes in a 4-1 defeat from Coventry Blaze.

In Braehead, the home side had the better of the opening period and took the lead after nine minutes when Corey Cowick netted.

Stars responded i n the middle session when Vinny Scarsella and Cale Tanaka combined to set up captain, Joey Sides to equalise.

Both sides went to the final period level at 1-1.

Just as it looked as the game was going into overtime, Clan dealt a decisive blow with one minute remaining when Jeff Ulmer scored to put the home side 2-1 ahead.

Stars pulled netminder, Joe Fallon in favour of the extra period as they pushed for the equaliser.

However, with 29 seconds left, Clan’s Scott Aarssen fired into the empty net to give Braehead both points.

On Saturday in Dundee, Stars took control of the first period by hitting Capitals from the off.

However, it took until 13 minutes for them to get the breakthrough their play deserved.

Matt White played in Scott Brannon who slotted the puck into the for for a 1-0 lead.

Under 30 seconds l ater, Edinburgh’s Jaroslav Hertl took a two minute penalty for slashing and Justin Faryna made it 2-0 to the home side on the powerplay.

Stars continued to dominate but it was Capitals who pulled a goal back against the run of play when Mason Wilgosh made it 2-1.

Michal Dobron was awarded two minutes for delay of the game. Dundee took advantage of the extra man when they netted their second powerplay strike of the game through Joey Sides.

The final session was closer. With just over one minute remaining, Edinburgh pulled their goalie in favour of the extra skater.

However, Stars had the final say when Sides registered his second goal with an empty netter to seal a 4-1 win.

In the Skydome last night, Stars Scott Brannon received two minutes for tripping on seven minutes, then Joey Sides was awarded two minutes for hooking.

However, the Taysiders’ penalty kill team were in good form and saw out the Coventry powerplays.

With just over one minute remaining in the first period, Blaze took the lead when Brett Robinson netted for a 1-0 advantage.

Stars made an explosive start to the second stanza and drew level after 45 seconds of the restart when Vinny Scarsella fired home t he equaliser.

After 26 minutes, Craig Moore (cross checking) and Justin Faryna (roughing) sat out two minute minors, leaving Coventry on a five on three powerplay for just over 30 seconds. They were made to pay when Matt Marquardt made it 2-1.

Blaze were still left with a five on four and again made it count when Robin Bergman struck to make it 3-1.

Dundee found themselves on the receiving end of four penalty calls at the beginning of the final period, the last two giving Blaze another five on three opportunity.

However, the penalty kill team did their job and kept the score at 3-1.

Coventry tied up the points with a goal from Gareth Klotz to seal a 4-1 win..

Stars had 35 minutes in penalties called against them.

Coach Marc LeFebvre said: “It’s back to work this week. We’ll be looking to put right the wrongs.”

Stars and Capitals players battle for the puck along the boards.