North Stars split a pair in the Nickel City

For just the second time all season, the Soo North Stars were beaten in regulation time in the Great North Midget League.

On Thursday in Sudbury, the North Stars dropped a 5-4 decision to the Sudbury Nickel Capitals, a day after taking a 3-1 decision.

Mike Rivard, Tyler Liukkonen and Adam Pyymaki scored in the win on Wednesday while Dean Howard added a pair of assists.

Dan Vernelli and Kevin Closs each scored one goal and set up another in Thursday's loss, a game in which the North Stars scored three of four goals on the power play. Singles went to Liukkonen and Trevor McNutt. Mark Hoffman and Pyymaki each recorded two assists.

The North Stars are back in action on Thursday as they begin their portion of the Steel City International Hockey Tournament in Sault Ste. Marie with a pair of games.

*** NORTH STARS STEEL CITY SCHEDULE:

(All games are at the John Rhodes Community Centre

Thursday January 5

1:00pm vs. The Green Bay Gamblers 6:30pm vs. The Geneva Cyclones

Friday January 6

4:30pm vs. The Motor City Mechanics

Saturday January 7

4:30pm vs. The Capital Centre Pride