Morin, Rynnas Lead Stars to 1-0 Shutout Win
Oct 18, 2014CEDAR PARK, Texas – In a goaltending duel, Travis Morin’s third period goal was a special one as the Texas Stars topped the Utica Comets in a 1-0 shutout win at Cedar Park Center in front of 4,248 in attendance. Morin set a new Stars record with his 100th career goal for the franchise.
Brett Ritchie and Brendan Ranford tallied the assists on the goal for last season’s Most Valuable Player in the AHL, which came on a rebound at 1:07 of the third. Morin passed Colton Sceviour for the top spot in franchise history on the strike.
Jussi Rynnas earned the first shutout of the season for the Stars (3-0-0-0), stopping 29 shots and handing the Comets (2-1-1-0) their first regulation loss of the season. Utica goaltender, Joacim Eriksson, was 28-of-29 in the loss.
Rynnas and the Stars weathered a 23-shot storm from the Comets through the first two periods of play, and picked up momentum late in the second by killing off a two-man advantage for Utica. The momentum carried over into the third with Morin’s first goal of the season and a 12-6 shot advantage to close out the game.
It was also a memorable night for Stars defenseman, Cameron Gaunce, who faced off for the first time ever against his little brother, Brendan Gaunce, a forward for the Comets.
Both teams finished 0-for-4 on the power play.
The Stars travel to Oklahoma City on Friday as part of a home-and-home series against the Barons. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m.
Three Stars:
1. Travis Morin (TEX)
2. Jussi Rynnas (TEX)
3. Joacim Eriksson (UTI)
The Texas Stars entered the 2014-15 season as the AHL’s defending Calder Cup Champions. Single-game tickets and season ticket packages for the 2014-15 campaign are on sale now. For more information, call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit TexasStarsHockey.com.
Photo Credit: Christina Shapiro/Texas Stars
TEXAS STARS: Cedar Park Center -- 2100 Avenue of the Stars -- Cedar Park, TX 78613 -- 512-600-5000
MEDIA CONTACT: Brien Rea, Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations -- 512-600-5016 -- brea@texasstarshockey.com
BECOME A TEXAS STARS SEASON TICKET HOLDER
For more information on full or partial season ticket packages call 512-GO-STARS, e-mail tickets@texasstarshockey.com or visit TexasStarsHockey.com.
TEXAS STARS IN THE COMMUNITY
To schedule an event contact Lauren Hindman, Director of Marketing at 512-600-5014 or e-mail lhindman@texasstarshockey.com
TEXAS STARS CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS AND SUITE LICENSES
To create a customized advertising package for your company contact Michael Delay, VP of Sales & Marketing, Texas Stars and Cedar Park Center, at 512-600-5193 or e-mail mdelay@texasstarshockey.com