Another set of unfortunate news has hit the Coventry Blaze team: their head coach shed tears as four of his star players made the decision to…
On Saturday, the Dundee Stars skated away with a 1-2 victory from Skydome Arena, leaving the Genting Casino Coventry Blaze unhappy.
American defenseman Chase Hartje made his Blaze debut, and after missing time due to injury, creative forward Danny Kristo rejoined the lineup. As part of his two-way contract with the NIHL team, Archie Hazeldine was permitted to skate for the Telford Tigers, whereas Tyler Kirkup was not.
Top goal scorer Spencer Naas gave Dundee (seventh) an early lead at 1.07, his 25th of the regular season, as he attempted to cut a four-point deficit on the fifth Blaze.
Before the half, Coventry had two powerplay chances to tie the game, but they were both missed.
Kevin Carr managed to keep Ian and Danny Kristo from McNulty’s great opportunities, and after 40 minutes of action, the home team entered the locker room exasperated.
In the third period, the game really got going, with lots of incidents. First, Blaze tied the score at 46.21 when Kristo, who had returned, took advantage of Carr being confused behind his own net and passed the ball to the Blaze forward, who scored the empty goal.
Blaze was awarded a third powerplay opportunity a few minutes later, but it was cut short when Kim Tallberg was given a diving penalty for what the Coventry bench said was an opponent tripping call.
Dundee scored the game-winning basket at 41.04 in the next 4-on-4 thanks to the league’s leading scorer, Ryan Valentini, who also provided the key assist for Naas’ first goal to increase his total to 48 points (20 goals, 28 assists).
The Stars’ rookie made an outstanding debut, as Canadian defenseman Xavier Pouliot earned the man of the match award in addition to an assist on both goals.
The never-say-die Blaze fought for a late equalizer and thought they had it with 22 seconds left, but coach Danny Stewart was incensed when the puck was determined not to have crossed the line after a protracted video review.
Coventry still had time to create a few opportunities after goalie Taran Kozun was substituted for an extra skater, but the equalizer was not to be.
