Adrenaline Comeback Falls Short

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A costly three minutes came back to haunt the Adelaide Adrenaline.

The Newcastle North Stars scored four goals in a three-minute stretch in the second period to lift the Stars to a 6-4 win over a shorthanded Adrenaline squad. 

The Adrenaline showed some heart but couldn't overcome a rough few minutes. Adelaide dropped the contest without UK National team import Jonathan Boxill, top defenseman Josh Harding (injury) and a few other players, leaving signs that this Adelaide team could be very dangerous when at full strength.

Things didn't start off great for the South Aussies either. In the first 20 seconds of the new AIHL season, Geordie Wudrick capitalised for the North Stars and beat Peter King to put the home side up early. 

The Adrenaline bounced back late in the opening frame. New import Tyler Grove showed his speed, grit and determination by steamrolling his way through the North Stars defense and goalie. His effort powered the puck to the back of the net to even the game at one.

Then came the disasterous second and a three minutes the Adrenaline wish they had back. Four strikes, including goals from Brian Bales and Luke Moffat, put the Stars of 5-1 heading in to the third.

The Adrenaline tried to pounce on a couple of golden opportunities, but North Stars goalie Dayne Davis stood on his head to keep the Adelaide boys at bay. 

But the Adrenaline were able to mix things up to make it interesting in the third. 

Zach Boyle rifled a rocket from the point in the early stages to put the visitors within three. After a quick Newcastle response to put the home-side back up by four, captain Greg Oddy rushed in all alone and pocketed his first of the season to make it 6-3. 

Then Boyle struck again. A feisty effort from the youngster got the Adrenaline within two with just over five minutes to go.

But Davis would not be tempered with any longer. The North Stars goalie returned to form, stone-walling Tyler Grove from point blank distance late and weathering the Stars through a late Adrenaline power play. 

In the end the comeback came up just a tad too short. The Adrenaline showed heart but fell 6-4. 

Despite allowing 6 goals, Peter King was solid in net for Adelaide. He steered away a lot of uncontested shots to keep the Adrenaline alive in the game.

The Adrenaline will look to capture their first win of the season on Sunday afternoon (4:30, Adelaide time) when the boys travel down the road to battle the Sydney Bears.

Adelaide hosts their first home game of the season May 10 at home. Tickets available online.