DAYNE Davis helped steer the Newcastle Northstars to back-to-back championships in 2015-16 the Canadian-born goalie stepped up again against the Melbourne Mustangs.
Davis saved all three shots as the Northstars beat the Mustangs in a shoot out at Warners Bay on Saturday night to stay in second place on the Australian Ice Hockey League ladder.
The score was locked at 5-all at the end of the third period, forcing the shoot out.
The Mustangs went first and Davis saved Brett Ferguson.
Thomas Landa missed with his attempt for the Northstars.
Davis again did the business, denying Ben Davis.
Import Joseph Harcharik converted his shot for the Northstars, leaving Davis a chance to seal the win, which he did.
“Dayne was the hero,” relieved Northstars coach Garry Dore said. “He was great in the shoot out with his saves and before that had kept us in the game. It was good, hard win.”
The Northstars had led 4-3 and 5-4 in the final term but couldn’t close the game out.
“We had a couple of good opportunities but their goaltender made some good saves as well,” Dore said. “It was a good game. Both teams played well and we were happy to come away with two points. The Mustangs are going to be a strong contender this year. We have take them twice now. Our goal is to win the series with each team and that will put us in the play-offs.”
Apart from Davis, Dore praised his young players.
“Our local contingent have been on fire,” he said.
“ Liam Manwarring, a 19-year-old from Newcastle, scored on Saturday night. Patty Nadin set up Robert Haselhurst for a fabulous goal and Tim Stanger scored our second goal. Our local are leading the charge at the moment. It is a good balance.”
