The much-improved St. Thomas Stars opened up the Sutherland Cup playoffs tonight by shocking the London Nationals 4-1 right in their own backyard.
The Stars were led by a two-goal performance from Maddox Amaral, including what proved to be the winner in the ninth minute of the middle frame.
Brenden Cattrysse added an insurance goal 30 seconds later and Ryan Cooper fired home an empty-netter to leave no doubt about the final outcome.
Jacob Julien netted the only Nats’ goal to close out the opening period.
Tyler Roberts was in net for the win, facing 24 shots.
Although it did not come back to haunt them, the Stars’ powerplay again was held off the scoreboard in three attempts in the second period.
It was a rude awakening for London, which finished second in the GOJHL Western Conference, 31 points ahead of seventh-place St. Thomas.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven opening round series goes Friday at the Joe Thornton Community Centre. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
