Holmes powers Northstars to first win of the season

Citizen file photo

Quentin Holmes had three goals in the Norman Northstars first three games, including two in a 6-5 win over the Interlake Lightning Oct. 4.

Last season's leading scorer Quentin Holmes led the way for the Norman Northstars as they picked up their first win of their 25th season Oct. 4 in Gimli, scoring a pair of goals, one of them shorthanded, in a 6-5 win over the Interlake Lightning, who knocked the Northstars out of the playoffs in two games last season.

Holmes was one of three Northstars to score in the first period of their third game of the season, along with Cody Zulyniak, who had the most goals for the team in 2008-2009, and Roger Tagoona, with his second goal of this campaign.

Up 3-1 entering the second period, the Northstars traded goals with Interlake in the middle frame, as tallies by Holmes, Lorne Leslie and Jaron Campbell offset Lightning goals by Mackenzie Johnson, Austin Campbell and Ryan Eliot to keep the Northstars two goals ahead.

Interlake's Nicco Digiovaanantonio had the only goal of the third period.

Ryan Delorme picked up his first win of the season by making 34 saves.

“This weekend showed a lot of positives,” said Northstars head coach Doug Korman. “Our conditioning carried us through to squeak out a win on our last game of a three-game weekend. Ryan Delorme gave us the chance to keep the games close with his outstanding play. Our penalty-killing units did very well, blocking shots and sacrificing themselves for the cause. What is encouraging to the coaching staff is the team can compete with the rest of the league.”

Tagoona scored his first goal of the season Oct. 2 against the Central Plains Capitals while teammates Justin Valentino and Dylan Hykawy also scored in a 4-3 loss that saw the Capitals establish a 3-0 first period win and then hold on for the victory as the Northstars made a game of it. Delorme stopped 26 shots in net.

Saturday's game against the Pembina Valley Hawks started out even, as Campbell got his first of the season to keep pace with the Hawks through the opening 20 minutes. Michael Fofillas struck twice for Pembina Valley in the first two periods, then added his hat trick marker into an empty net as the Hawks won 5-2, with power play goals from Dallas Holenski and Jory Mullin. Holmes recorded the Northstars’ second goal in the final frame and Delorme made 35 saves.

“The past weekend was a good indication as to what the coaches must focus on to fine tune our game,” said Korman, who noted that the coaching staff was juggling lines through the first three games, trying to figure out which players perform best together. “We will be zeroing in on special teams, something we have not had a lot of time to work on. One message the boys will be getting is that the intensity will have to be taken to a higher level, something the rookies have to adjust to playing AAA hockey. Another concern is that our offensive players must not forget that strong defence creates good offence, that’s my belief. So I must get buy-in from these players or it is going to be a long season. Inside the dressing room walls, the camaraderie is great. The team is understanding the importance of team chemistry, being humble and proud to wear a Northstars jersey.”

The Northstars open their home schedule at C.A. Nesbitt Arena Oct. 9-10 against the Southwest Cougars. Saturday's game will include beer gardens and a display showcasing the Northstars history to celebrate their 25th season. Additional anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the season, with an alumni weekend scheduled for Feb. 12-14, 2010.

“The team is looking at getting to .500 hockey with a couple of wins this weekend against the Cougars,” said Korman. “This year’s team has the opportunity to be a force in the league. It’s up to the boys to respond and deliver.”

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