SYRACUSE SPLITS WITH APPLE CORE

Syracuse, NY " Despite skating without Joe Wilson (skating with the National Development Team), Mike Zalewski (flu), and Mike Montagna (hip surgery), the Syracuse Stars clawed their way to a weekend split with Apple Core.

On Saturday, Apple Core defeated the Stars 7-4. Rookie Matt Kavanagh turned in a 4 point game (2 goals 2 assists), while Kevin Kavanagh, Oliver Koo, Kevin Gaughran, Louie Balzano and Dominic Trento also scored for Apple Core. Patrick Guerriero picked up 3 assists in the game, while Kevin Reich and Greg Strootman each recorded 2 assists. Arthur Griem, Louie Balzano and Dominic Trento each added assists and goaltender Nick Therrien made 33 saves in his 5th win of the season.

The game, however, was not without bright spots for Syracuse. Justin Bruckel recorded a hat trick and Ryan Farnan added a power play goal and an assist. Peter Sweetland tallied two assists as well.

Sundays game saw Syracuse turn the tables and emerge victorious, skating away with a 4-3 win. In his second game back from suffering a major concussion in the offseason, Syracuse goaltender Anthony Cadieux was able to fend off a late flurry and make 39 saves in the win.

Ryan Farnan got the Stars on the board first with a late first period goal, but Apple Cores Corey Lillie tied the game midway in the second period. The Stars then built a two goal lead on goals from Adam Graff and Josh Larose to go up 3-1 after two. Apple Core refused to die as Remy Cholhan and Kevin Kavanaugh scored two goals in the first four minutes of the third to tie the game at 3-3. Larose then scored the game winner, his second goal of the game, with 6:35 left in the game for the Stars 4-3 win.

Oliver Koo picked up 2 assists while Kevin Kavanagh, Mark DiFruscio, Mike Garlasco and Arthur Griem also recorded 1 assist each. Apple Core goaltender Ryan Benitez made 35 saves in the losing effort.
- Chris Cosentino, Mike Klein, and David Smolnycki contributed to this report.