Bears v North Stars [2-1 SO Win]

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Resuming after the All Star Weekend, the Bears played their only home game for June against the Newcastle North Stars on Sunday June 19.


Buoyed by two wins in Adelaide (one regulation, one shootout), the Bears need to keep winning to stay in touch with the top 4 which includes the North Stars. Fresh in the team's mind was the last time the two teams met in May, North Stars winning 6-4 after the Bears lead 4-2


Period 1 saw chances for either team however the first goal was scored 5 minutes into period 2 by the North Stars.There were several penalties to both teams in periods 2 & 3 including some periods of 4 on 4 hockey.


Newcastle were unable to increase their lead and the Bears finally got onto the scoreboard in the 6th minute of period 3. Tomas Landa scored on a powerplay with assistance from captain Michael Schlamp - celebrating his 200th AIHL regular season game - and Brent Vandenberg. 


Shots at goal increased in the third period by both teams as they fought to break the deadlock in the remaining minutes of the game. For the 6th time in the regular season, Bears were into another shootout. Back from his 2 game suspension, goalie Anthony Kimlin was calm under pressure, showing his international experience. 


For the second game in a row the shootout went 4 rounds, again in the favour of the Bears. Kimlin did his job at the scoreboard end to give the Bears the 2-1 shootout win after Nic Kawasaki and then Brent Vandenberg nailed their shots at the other end of the ice in the shootout.


Bears end their June in Melbourne on 25/26 June, playing the Ice on Saturday and Mustangs on Sunday. They then return home for a vital Battle Of Sydney against the Ice Dogs on Saturday July 2.

Story: Eric Brook
Photo: Rev William Stewart