Stars’ head coach, Brayden Klimosko (left) and assistant coach Rob Holoien (right) will be looking for increased intensity from the team on Sunday night, as the evening will mark the team’s final preseason contest ahead of the season opener Friday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Final Tuneup

Stars look to finish preseason strong against Pontiacs

Sep 8, 2019 | 2:48 PM

It has been a busy weekend of hockey for the Battlefords North Stars.

Following a back-to-back against Lloydminster Friday and Saturday, the team will now wrap up their preseason, with a final game Sunday evening at the R.J. Lalonde Arena in Bonnyville.

Taking on the Bonnyville Pontiacs for the second time in the exhibition season, the Stars enter action with a 1-2 record through their first three games. The team will aim to close out the preseason with a .500 record at 2-2.

Stars’ head coach and general manager, Brayden Klimosko said heading into the team’s final tune-up game he will be looking for individuals to raise their game and make themselves stand out, as roster spots are still up for grabs.

“I don’t think there has been enough separation,” he said of the competition through preseason. “No one is separating themselves from the pack at the moment and we are going to keep as many [players] as I feel is necessary until I’m comfortable with the guys we have here. There is too much grey area where everyone is kind of doing okay, but not good enough. That is where we are at the moment, and hopefully we can get better and learn and get into those [positive] habits again.”

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Coming off a 3-0 loss to Lloydminster last night, Klimosko said more than anything, he’ll be looking for increased intensity from everyone on the bench this evening.

The coach noted that effort and heart are what builds the foundation for a competitive hockey team heading into the regular season.

“At the end of the day, you can live with some mistakes here and there; it’s early and there is some rust,” he said. “Not trying hard enough, [however,] that is something where you can’t really understand or accept. There is not enough grit to our game or enough sandpaper to our game, but we have a long way to go and hopefully we get a better effort tonight.”

The Stars are expected to field a more veteran lineup tonight, as the team will look to make the most of their final preseason action.

Puck drop for Sunday night’s game will be at 6 p.m.

The North Stars’ broadcasts will begin Sept. 13, as the Stars travel to Kindersley to take on the Klippers to open the regular season.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1