The Blackstars Squirt 1 team bested the Fresno Jr. Monsters 15-2 on Saturday in the first exhibition game of the 2011-12 season.  The Blackstars started fast by notching two goals in the first minute of play, with Ian Gould tallying first, and then Luke Desmarai 37 seconds later. This line, including Alexei Davis, set the tone with an aggressive forecheck that put the Monster blueliners back on their heels early, and it stayed that way for most of the game.

Blackstar speed was evident up front as well with the defenders, as they regularly beat the Monsters to loose pucks. The upfront speed made for a thin margin of error for the Monster’s defense, producing several clean breakaways for the Blackstars. But most notable was the forward’s commitment to the backcheck which continually forced Monster turnovers high in the defensive zone.

The Blackstar’s passing and playmaking gelled surprisingly quickly, given that it was the first game for this group. Neutral zone play was chaotic at times, but the Blackstars speed came into play as they usually gained possession of the puck.

The Blackstars out-shot the Monsters 31 to 10, and the scoring was spread evenly with eight players lighting the lamp. Ian Gould led the scoring with four goals, followed by Luke Desmarai with three. Jack Luttringer and Alexei Davis each scored twice, and Alexander Harrenstien, Stosh Janik, Vaughn Montoya, and Cole Sotnick each had one goal.

Zach Scacco was solid in goal for the Blackstars, turning aside ten shots for the win.

Fresno had a short bench and although their goalie was reportedly a novice who replaced their regular netminder, it was not entirely evident from his play. None of the Blackstars goals were goalie flubs, they the result of good hockey plays.