The Battlefords North Stars and Estevan Bruins may not be division rivals, but the teams always bring a little extra spark when the two sides collide. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Playing the host

North Stars welcome Bruins to town for showdown at Civic Centre

Sep 21, 2019 | 2:00 PM

Coming off an offensive explosion to open the season, the Battlefords North Stars return to action tonight at the Civic Centre, looking to keep the ball rolling as the team welcomes the Estevan Bruins to town.

The North Stars, who are coming off back-to-back 7-1 and 7-4 wins respectively over the rival Kindersley Klippers on opening weekend, enter action this evening with a 2-0 record through their opening two contests.

Estevan meanwhile, sits 1-2 through their first three games and will be looking to bounce back from last night’s 4-1 loss to the Klippers in Kindersley.

When it comes to the North Stars’ offensive attack, likely more impressive than opening the season with back-to-back seven-goal outings, is the depth the team has seen contribute.

Eleven different players have scored for the Stars through their opening two games.

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Forward Austin Becker who enters Saturday night with three goals in two games and Quintin Loon-Stewardson, with two in two games, are the only two Stars’ players with multiple goals to their credit.

Youngsters Ryland McNinch, Steven Kesslering and Dace Prymak have each hit the ground running, already having lit the lamp for the first time in their ‘Junior A’ careers.

In contrast, Estevan has scored just five goals through their three games so far.

While the Bruins may not have shot out of the gate with the offensive punch of the Stars, like the Battlefords, the team has relied on a spread offensive attack through their first few games.

Thirteen Bruins’ players have picked up a single point heading into Saturday.

However, of the 13, veteran forward Jayden Davis enters play as the lone Bruins’ player to have scored more than a single point. Davis has one goal, one assist in three games.

In goal, the battle between projected starters Adam Dmyterko and Kennan Rancier respectively, should provide a challenge for opposition shooters on either side.

Each netminder enters play with a sparkling statline.

The Stars’ Dmyterko is 2-0 to go along with a 2.50 goals-against average and .925 save percentage in the victories. Saturday night will mark his third-straight start for the Battlefords’ goalie to open the season.

At the other end, Rancier has also been sharp for the Bruins. The 19-year-old enters play with a 1-1 record while sporting a 1.52 goals-against average and .944 save percentage.

Together the pair post a daunting task for opposition forwards to figure out.

One area the North Stars will be looking to clean up will be the penalty kill. Of the five goals the Stars have allowed, four have come with the team shorthanded.

Estevan meanwhile, will aim to find an offensive spark on the other side of the special teams’ coin. The Bruins are the lone team in the league still looking for their first power play strike, although the team has also received the fewest opportunities so far. Estevan is 0-for-6 through their opening three games with the man advantage.

Saturday night’s game will be broadcast on 1050 CJNB. The Ultra-Print Pregame Show will begin at 7:15 p.m. with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. on the NAPA North Stars hockey broadcast.

North Stars lineup at a glance

Forwards:

K. Boser, Q. Loon-Stewardson, E. Loon-Stewardson

A. Becker, R. McNinch, R. Nivon

M. Urbanski, B. Gammer, D. Esau

C. Reagan, H. Rambow, D. Prymak

Defencemen:

N. Form, D. McCabe

S. Summers, M. Fletcher

L. Antoniuk, W. Somers

Goaltenders:

A. Dmyterko

P. Rey

—

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1