Hamilton Shocks Texas with Late Goal 2-1
Apr 6, 2013
Reilly Smith Tied Franchise Record with Seven-Game Assist Streak
CEDAR PARK, TX – Reilly Smith tied a franchise record by extending his assist streak to seven games, but rookie Charles Hudon’s first pro goal with 24.5 seconds remaining in regulation left the first place Texas Stars speechless in a 2-1 loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs Saturday night at Cedar Park Center.
After a scoreless first period, the Stars potent power play went to work early in the middle frame. Bulldogs goaltender Dustin Tokarski made the save on Reilly Smith’s one-timer from the right faceoff circle, but Colton Sceviour threaded the rebound across the crease to Travis Morin for an open net power play goal at 2:09 and 1-0 lead. Smith’s assist on the goal gave him assists in seven-straight games, tying Matt Fraser’s franchise record seven-game assist streak. Texas out-shot the Bulldogs 14-7 in the period and held a 23-12 shot advantage through forty minutes of play.
The Stars had two power plays in the first five minutes of the third period, but could not extend their lead. Texas managed to kill off a Hamilton power play midway through the frame, but could not clear the zone after it expired. Taking advantage of an exhausted Texas penalty kill group, Patrick Holland scored at 13:44 to tie the game. The goal lifted the spirits of the visiting Bulldogs and they turned up the head on Stars goaltender Cristopher Nilstorp, who was making his first start since suffering an injury against Abbotsford on March 13th. In the final minute, as the game looked destined for overtime, rookie Charles Hudon stunned the Stars by scoring his first pro goal with 24.5 seconds left in regulation, lifting Hamilton to a 2-1 win. Texas has never beaten the Bulldogs at home in a regular season game, going 0-2-1-1 in four all-time meetings on Cedar Park Center ice.
Hamilton goaltender Dustin Tokarski turned in a brilliant performance, stopping 29-of-30 shots to record his 24th win of the season. Cristopher Nilstorp finished with 20 saves on 22 shots in the losing effort for Texas. The Stars out-shot the Bulldogs 30-20 and went 1-for-5 on the power play; Hamilton was 0-for-2 with the man-advantage.
The Texas Stars will complete their three-in-three weekend on Sunday, April 7th as they travel to San Antonio for a 3:30 p.m. faceoff with the Rampage at AT&T Center. The Stars next home game is on Friday, April 19th against the Houston Aeros at 7:30 p.m. Friday’s game at Cedar Park Center is a $3 Beer Night and another Texas Lottery Lucky Section Night, where fans can win scratch off tickets from the Texas Lottery when the first Stars player scores a goal. 2013-14 Season Tickets are now on sale. Put your deposit for 2013-14 season tickets and receive priority for both Texas Stars 2013 Calder Cup playoff tickets and 2013-14 season seat selection. For more information on Texas Stars season tickets call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit www.TexasStarsHockey.com.