The Eastside Stars hit the road this past weekend to participate in the Big Rapids Christmas Showcase held at Ferris State University Ice Arena.  

On Friday, 12/15, the Stars faced off against a very strong Soo Blue Devils team ranked #10 in the state in Division 3.  The Stars adjusted to the Blue Devil pace of play quickly, and the game remained scoreless through 2 periods of play.  However, in the 3rd period, the Stars Evan Warner (Haslett) found the back of the net assisted by the East Lansing tandem of Jack Drouare and Beckett Fast to advance the score to 1-0 where it remained until the final buzzer.  Reed Drouare (EL) put on an epic performance stopping all 37 shots, earning his 1st shutout of the season and Player of the Game honors for the Stars.

On Saturday, 12/16, the Stars competed against the host team Big Rapids Cardinals.  Still buzzing from the Friday night performance, the Stars Kyle Raynor (Holt) kicked off the scoring early in the 1st period with a shot from just inside the blue line set up by a pass from Beckett Fast to put the Stars up 1-0.  The Cardinals answered to tie the score at 1-1 after the 1st period of play, and both teams traded off goals again in the 2nd.  Evan Warner added his 2nd goal of the weekend, a short-handed tally, by burying the rebound set up and assisted by Jack Monaghan (ER).  The teams continued to battle but remained scoreless through the 3rd period and overtime, resulting in a 2-2 final score.  Leland Alvarez (Okemos) earned Player of the Game honors with 21 saves.

The Stars advanced to 4-2-2 on the season heading into rivalry week, hosting their cross-town rivals, the Capital City Capitals on Friday, Dec 22 - 8pm at East Lansing Ice Cube in the 2nd Annual Ele's Place Event.  All attendees are encouraged to donate supplies and/or financial contributions to benefit Ele's Place - Capital Region in this season of giving.