Rockford Downs Texas

A disallowed goal in the first two minutes of play set the tone for the remainder of the game as the Rockford IceHogs went on to defeat the Texas Stars 2-1. 

The Stars appeared to have scored at 1:20 when Matej Blumel collected a rebound and beat goaltender Drew Commesso.  But upon review referees determined kicked the puck in with his skate. 

Rockford capitalized on the momentum shift and peaked when Frank Nazar found the back of the net at 5:41. The IceHogs doubled their lead ten minutes later Gerry Mayhew ripped a shot over Remi Poirier’s glove. 

Texas’ Antonio Stranges narrowed the deficit in the middle frame, but the Stars could come no closer despite out-shooting Rockford 28-22.   

“I thought there were moments of quality.  Probably didn’t get enough of what we were looking for,” said Texas Star head coach Neil Graham reflecting on the loss. “It kind of kills your mojo and frankly kills some of your confidence to make the next play.” 

Rockford’s Commesso (3-4-0) stopped 27 of the Stars’ 28 shots to earn the win.  Texas’ Poirir (2-3-0_skated home with the loss, allowing two goals on 22 shots. 

“I’m sure there’s going to see some good things when we revisit it,” said Graham.  “And you can see momentum starting to try and grab itself in our direction, but we, unfortunately did things that shifted momentum against us.” 

The teams play again Saturday night.