Bobcats, North Stars celebrate victories on Day 1

WENATCHEE, WASH. – The Central Division champion Bismarck Bobcats and the North Division champion Traverse City North Stars skated to wins on the first day of the North American Hockey League’s (NAHL) Robertson Cup Championship Tournament at the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee, Wash.

In the early game, the Bobcats downed the South Division champion St. Louis Bandits, 5-3.

Defenseman Sam Rendle, a Bemidji State University (WCHA) recruit, rang up a hat trick for Bismarck, including the game-winning goal, and forward Sean McKenzie picked up a goal and an assist.  Between the pipes, Ryan Faragher, a Dartmouth College (ECAC) recruit, turned aside 26 shots.

“We don’t consider this an upset, and we’re definitely not satisfied with just one win,” said Rendle. “We know we’re one of the best teams here and we’ll enjoy this for a couple hours and then start getting ready for Traverse City (North Stars on Thursday).”

View the box score here.

View highlights of the game here.

Defenseman Chris Heineman’s goal - his second point of the night - with 33 seconds left in regulation lifted the North Stars to a 5-4 triumph over the West Division champion Wenatchee Wild.

Forwards Eric McClintock, Andy Huff, a Ferris State University (CCHA) recruit) and Garrett Thompson (Ferris State) each connected for a goal and an assist for Traverse City, and goaltenders Drew Strandberg and Sacred Heart (Atlantic Hockey)-bound Chris Paliafito combined to stop 35 shots.

“Our guys played with a lot of heart tonight,” said Stars head coach Anthony Palumbo. “They played hard, and played within that team framework. It was a lot like some of the tough North Division games we play a lot of - that just kind of becomes part of your team.”

View the box score here.

View highlights of the game here.

On Wednesday, Traverse City will take on St. Louis (2:05 p.m. local time) and Wenatchee will play the Fairbanks Ice Dogs (6:35 p.m.).

For more information on the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament, visit RobertsonCup.com.