By Kris Smith
The Stars won back-to-back matches this past weekend with a 5-1 road win over Scottish rivals, Glasgow Clan on Friday night before taking a 4-1 victory on Saturday against Manchester Storm at home.
Canadian keeper, Kevin Carr made his first start between the pipes in Glasgow on Friday after missing the last six games through injury but after playing the full 60 in Braehead and the first period against Manchester, he was forced to come off and Brine was called into action during the first intermission.
Lucas came in cold but stopped every shot the Storm took at him in 40 minutes, to help the team to a crucial win that has lifted them into sixth place and both results have massively boosted the Stars chances of securing a playoff spot.
Looking back on Saturday’s win, Lucas said: “It was a huge weekend for us getting those four-points and it has put us into a good spot heading into the last week.
“Whenever I come in cold, I try not to overthink things too much and just try to play my game and on Saturday it worked out, so I will just keep trying to do that.”
With everyone knowing how crucial every point is at the end of the season, Lucas shared his delight at being able to backstop the team to victory after coming in with the game tied at 1-1.
He added: “I always like to do my best for the guys and if we can get the result as well then that is a bonus, but I am very happy with where we are right now.”
It was not just a big weekend for Brine with the Stars as he also got his second call of the season from Team GB Head Coach, Pete Russell after he selected him for the upcoming IIHF World Championships in the Czech Republic.
Lucas commented: “I am looking forward to it.
“It is definitely going to be a cool experience and I am sure I will learn lots from guys like (Jackson) Whistle and (Ben) Bowns and it is just another thing I will take one step at a time, see what happens and enjoy every moment.”
Next up for the Stars now is a mid-week trip to Cardiff Devils before facing Fife Flyers in a pair of Tayside Derbies this weekend.
All images: Derek Black.
