O'Brien remains unbeatable for North Stars

Travis O'Brien is proving to be a wall in net for the Soo North Stars.

For the second consecutive start, O'Brien back stopped the North Stars to a shutout, this time a 2-0 win over the New Liskeard Cubs on Saturday night at John Rhodes Community Centre.

The veteran goaltender made several big stops throughout the game including key a glove save while short handed and a diving stop across the crease with the locals holding a 1-0 lead in the third period.

Last Saturday, O'Brien and the North Stars shutout the Timmins Majors on the road 6-0. In three games, O'Brien has only allowed two goals, those coming in the season opener. His shutout streak now stands at 130 minutes and 47 seconds.

With the win, the locals improve to 4-0-0-1 in the Great North Midget League.

"We've been preaching from the start of the year that we need to take care of our own zone first and we've recorded shutouts the last two weekends so obviously that speaks well for our efforts," said North Stars head coach Mike Hall. "I'm really happy for Travis. He made some big stops and now has two shutouts in a row."

Paul Dupont opened the scoring in the second period just as their power play expired by converting a pretty passing play from Brad DiCandia and Jason Bird.

Nick Minardi scored an insurance marker with 5:57 remaining in the third period when he fired in a rebound from a tough angle at the side of the net from Jake Reid and Ben Davey.

"We're seeing improvement and we keep telling them that it doesn't take talent to work hard. We have been getting a consistent effort from all three lines and our call ups have played well," said Hall.

"It's early in the season but these have been some big games for us. You can already see the separation in the league and we have been fortunate to play some good hockey out of the gate. Early in the season, you rely a lot on talent to get you through."

To fill in for some injuries, the North Stars called up and received good performances from Kyle Hoffman and Anthony Silvano.

The two teams will meet again on Sunday afternoon at the Rhodes beginning at 1 p.m.