North Stars fall again at Robertson Cup

The Traverse City North Stars retain a mathematical chance of advancing to Sunday’s Robertson Cup title game, but their championship aspirations were dealt a serious blow on Thursday in Wenatchee, Wash., as the Stars dropped a 6-1 decision to the Bismarck Bobcats on the third day of round-robin action at the Town Toyota Center.

Bismarck raced to a 3-0 lead after the first period, and scored the first two goals of the second stanza – both on the power play – before Doug Clifford put Traverse City on the scoreboard 4:11 ahead of the second intermission. Kyle Jean delivered a picture-perfect pass to Clifford, who one-timed it past Bobcats goalkeep Ryan Faragher.

The Cats bagged the only goal of the third frame.

Chris Paliafito started in place of injured Drew Strandberg, making 24 saves.

Bismarck went 3-for-6 on the power play, while TC did not convert in six tries.

The North Stars will close out their Robertson Cup round-robin slate on Friday against Fairbanks in the afternoon game. Face-off is scheduled for 2:35 p.m. PT/5:35 p.m. ET.