The L.A. Stars opened the Swiss INS Tournament with a 6-1 victory over the hosting HC Thun in Prep action today. With the Christmas Holidays providing some players with a little “R and R”, the Stars have called up Sascha Karachun, Sam Antonitsch, Daniel Gysi, Marvin Alena, Florian Baltram and Raphael Ungar for the tournament. So far, they have complimented tremendously.

The Stars opened the scoring in the first period, as Florian Baltram opened the scoring with a wrister that beat the Swiss netminder. Assists went to Krammer and Richter. Just minutes later, Richter potted one of his own as he split the defense and beat the goaltender on the far side. Baltram picked up his second assist on the night. SC Thun would not go gently, however, as they battled back to get their first goal on the powerplay  with two Stars in the box. Sandro Aeschlimann got the start in  goal, and he shut out Thun for the rest of the period, as the Stars, who held the territorials advantage in the first 14 minutes, held on to the 2-to-1 lead.

In the second, the Stars exploded for two more goals, as Richter tallied his second and third of the evening. On the Stars 3^rd goal Krammer and Hicks picked up the assists, while Houben picked up the lone assist on the fourth goal.

In the third period, the Stars began to simply punish the Swiss team, taking more shots, driving to the net and picking up check virtually at will. Richter buried both third period goals, with assists going to Houben, Alena, and Karachun. Aeschlimann played and shut the door the rest of the way, as the Stars opened the scoring.

Stay tuned, as the Stars head into game two action tomorrow here in Wichtrach. Check back for more information later.

Prep Stars 6 – HC Thun 1 (2:1; 2:0; 2:0)