It was vital for the ECA Stars to have a strong start on the road Saturday at top-ranked Hudson in the sectional final. 

The Raiders had proven all year to be stout defensively, and momentum would be at a premium between the state’s top two rated teams.

With 11 minutes, 56 seconds to go in the first period, the Stars got a puck on net, and the rubber shot away to the right side of the net but near the goal line, making it a tough angle.

Ava Kison won the race to the puck and flung a difficult backhand on net. It was placed perfectly, right in the top left corner. The Stars struck first, and that helped set the tone in a 6-1 rout of the Raiders to punch the team’s first ticket to state.

“I think her ability to finish and her ability to score the big goal is something that she’s really shown throughout the season,” coach Tom Bernhardt said.