AMES, Iowa - The Kansas City Stars Varsity squad got off to a slow start, but came back with five unanswered goals to polish off the Des Moines Oak Leafs 5-2 and take third place in the Midwest High School Hockey League Varsity playoffs.

The Stars, who finished sixth in the regular season standings, trailed in the game 2-0 in the first after a sluggish start to the game, but slowly turned up their play and finished the game with a dominant win.

Alex Williamson started the scoring in the first with a goal from the low slot after a Des Moines turnover to get the Stars on the board and the first period ended 2-1 Oak Leafs. With the Stars shorthanded, Alex Huetten tied the game in the second on a fine feed from Andy Stevens, and the second period ended 2-2.

Fresher legs and power play goals were the difference in the third as John Kirtland got a pair of goals midway through the period to put the Stars up 4-2. The Stars also got great goaltending from Scott Bruennig as the senior on the squad stepped up their play in their last game for the team. Gunner Christian added an empty netter late to make the final 5-2.

The varsity squad is done for the year, but the JV team is all set to make their run in the playoffs this weekend back in Ames, as they take on the tournament host Ames Little Cyclones on Friday in a 3:30p scheduled start. All Stars JV games will be web cast this coming weekend as well.