Off to a Good Start - Varsity tame Red Bulls 5-2

Starting the second half after the Holiday break the Varsity Stars got into action on Sunday against the Red Bulls from Salzburg.  After nearly a month since their last contest the boys were anxious to get into game action.  It didn’t take long for the Stars to find the net, 1:06 into the contest Luka Znidarsic scored with Aljaz Chvatal getting the assist.  Just over two minutes later Red Bull evened the score.  The Stars weren’t done however and reclaimed the lead three minutes later at 6:29 of the first on one of Marton Ladanyi two on the night.  Ricco Ratajczyk and Alexander Karachun assisted on the play.  The first period ended and the Stars found themselves leading Red Bull 2-1, something that had not happened for the Stars in the first two meetings with Salzburg. 

In would be necessary for the Varsity Stars to keep pushing the pace in the second period in order to keep ahead of a young Red Bull team.  Just 30 seconds into the middle period Ladanyi moved down the left wing and threw the puck on net catching the Red Bull goalie off guard and putting the Stars up by two.  Ratajczyk got the lone assist on the play.  The Stars controlled the majority of the play in the second but had to settle for the lone goal. 

The third period saw the Stars playing a little tentative protecting their two goal lead.  As is the case in hockey, if you sit back the opposition will take advantage.  That is exactly what Salzburg did generating several scoring chances.  Finally, just over four minutes into the final frame  Red Bull pulled within a goal.  It would be a shame after a good start, if the Stars let the game slip away.  However, on this night the Stars found their composure and began to step up their game.  At 15:03 of the third Marvin Alena found the net on a hard shot from the high slot to re-establish the two goal cushion.  To seal the deal Philipp Poschmann completed the scoring with Florian Wallner and Reinais Skorovs assisting.  The L.A. Stars had their first win of 2012 with a 5-2 final over Red Bull of Salzburg.