The U-17 L.A. Stars ended an 18 day hiatus with an exhibition game in Tabor, Czech Republic on Thursday.  As the Stars have sat idle for some time and are prepping for the next round of play-offs, the Tabor U-17 squad was a great prep for the upcoming schedule.

The Stars entered the game after tying the Villach Eagles, and had several intense practises leading up to the match in the Eastern country. A slight snow storm and heavy winds couldn't keep the international squad from making the trip, and it was well worth it.

The home team opened the scoring on the powerplay, but then rebounded with their own on a 5-on-3 man-advantage. Philipp Kreuzer, working the left point, slid the puck to Stephan Fellinger at the bottom left circle. Fellinger looked off the defenseman and slid it cross-crease for Dylan Weber, who had a gaping net to send it into. The rest of the period saw the Stars count with several chances, but were unable to capitalize. The first twenty minutes ended in a 1-1 tie.

The second period saw the Stars open up offensively, as Gustaf Warnelius ripped home a wrist shot on the powerplay from Fabio Kläy and Sam Antonitsch. Kreuzer (Bowerman) extended the lead to two, before Tabor pulled to within one, again on the powerplay. Kreuzer restored the two-goal lead on a nifty passing play from Niki Kraus and Stephan Fellinger. At the end of 40, the Stars held a 4-2 lead.

The third period began the same way as the second, with Dylan Weber notching his second of the game from Kläy and Warnelius. Kreuzer, with Kläy nabbing his third assist of the day, finished off the scoring for the Stars. With the goalie pulled, the defence from the Stars were unable to clear off of a draw, and the Roosters pulled to within two, but it was too little too late, as Bryce Fink picked up the win in between the pipes.

"I was happy with the effort today given the amount of time off; it is not easy to come back after a period of time and get a 100%, perfect play. We were solid, and despite our undisciplined play, it was great."

The Stars are eager to begin the next round of play-offs, as they get a chance to redeem themselves after a less-than-dismal effort against the Junior Caps, as well as Innsbruck, Zell Am See, and Linz. This round determines who is going to remain in the top tier with the four remaining play-off seeds next season.  The opening match takes place in Zell Am See on Thursday, before an exhibition match on Friday in Feldkirch. Stay tuned for updates.