North Stars prepping for Air Canada Cup

The Soo North Stars are readying for the Air Canada Cup, the AAA midget hockey national tournament that begins here on Monday.

A six-team event featuring the top AAA midget teams from the nation, the North Stars are on the spotlight of the frozen stage. First game for the locals is Monday at 8 p.m. at Memorial Gardens, immediately following opening ceremonies.

Workhorse goalie Michael Maulucci of the North Stars, who was the best at his position through the Great North Midget Hockey League regular season, is ready for the challenge of the Air Canada Cup.

"There's going to be the pressure of being the host team and playing in front of so many fans and all the scouts but it's something that we just can't wait for," said Maulucci.

"I can't wait for this to get started."

The rookie goalie said he has always thrived on pressure.

"That's part of being a goalie, I guess." Maulucci said the North Stars' goal is to make it into the playoff round and "if we can get there, anything can happen. Winning a medal would be awesome."

Teammate David Turco, the Soo's leading scorer through the regular season and the playoffs, agreed.

"We've got five games in the round robin to qualify for the playoffs and that is definitely a realistic goal. We've been working hard and we're ready," offered Turco.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Beginning with opening night on Monday, SooToday.com sportswriter Brad Coccimiglio will be covering every North Star game at the Air Canada Cup. Watch for Brad's stories after every North Star game right here at SooToday. - Randy Russon, Sports Editor, SooToday.)