Texas Bounces Back in Penalty-filled Game

The Texas Stars defeated the Rockford IceHogs, 5-to-3, in an emotion-filled game that saw 36 penalty minutes on 18 violations.  The Stars responded to a lost the previous night to the IceHogs. 

“It was a big win for our group, especially after losing last night.  It’s a tight division and points are critical and we needed the two points,” said Texas Stars head coach Neil Graham.  “We had fight in our game.  We had compete in our game.  Obviously no quit.” 

The first period saw 10 of the 18 penalties with Rockford’s Lukas Reichel capitalizing on a power play for the session’s only goal. 

How do you respond to so many penalties?  “It’s disruptive.  That’s what we talk about this time of year.  Other guys have to step up.  You have to recalibrate.  You have to stay composted despite thing feeling like they’re snowballing on you emotionally.  We really settled in during the intermission,” said Graham.    

The Stars took control of the middle frame, starting with Derrick Pouliot’s goal six minutes in, and ending with Curtis McKenzie’s goal with two seconds remaining.  Rockford’s David Gust and Texas’ Mavrik Bourque also scored, giving the Stars a 3-to-2 advantage going into the final intermission. 

Jack Becker tallied what looked to be an insurance goal for the Stars early in the final frame, only to have Cole Guttman score and bring the IceHogs within one.  Curtis McKenzie added his second goal of the contest late in the game against an undefended net. 

Texas’ Remi Poirier took home the win, making 28 saves against 31 shots.  Rockford’s Drew Commesso suffered the loss, allowing four goals on 20 shots. 

Reflecting on the game, Graham said, “There’s going to be high and lows, different challenges that present themselves in any game.  There was a fair share of challenges tonight.  We overcame adversity.  And the reward was two points.”