Even though the score was lopsided, the teams were evenly matched up.
The first period showed that both teams could compete with each other. The teams played very conservative, resulting in very good defense.
Park Rapids was the first to score. A mix up in coverage in the slot resulted in the goal.
A fired-up Bret Theisen scored on the next shift out for the Stars. His linemates Ryan Mackedanz and Eric Habben helped pound the puck past the goalie. Mackedanz and Habben received assists.
The second period started the same way the first did, with Park Rapids scoring a goal and Theisen’s line scoring on the next shift.
Theisen, with a pass from Habben, slided the puck between the goalie’s legs to score.
Park Rapids came back with two very quick goals five seconds apart. The quick strikes stunned the Stars’ bench.
Before the period was over, Park Rapids was able to add another goal to increase their lead to three.
The Stars’ hope for a third period comeback were quickly crushed as Park Rapids scored on the first shift.
Scott Fritz was able to add another goal for the Stars by putting in a rebound off a shot from Eric Hartfiel.
Kevin Mooney, the Stars’ head coach, will shift lines around for the upcoming Little Falls tournament. By doing so he hopes the Stars’ third period woes will be cured. He also hopes to stir the offense, which only managed to get 14 shots on the Park Rapids goalie.
Stars: 1 1 1 - 3
P. Rapids: 1 4 4 - 9