The Battlefords AAA Stars will hope to see their hard work pay off in the win column, as the team returns to action this weekend to play two games at the League Showcase in Warman. (submitted photo/Brett Parker)

By Martin Martinson

Stars look to shine

AAA Stars prepare for big weekend ahead at League Showcase

Sep 26, 2019 | 1:58 PM

As September draws to a close with the hockey season still in its infancy, the Battlefords AAA Stars will pack their bags for a big weekend ahead just down Highway 16.

The team will travel to Warman for the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League (SMAAHL) Showcase.

The AAA Stars will be looking to pick up where the Battlefords North Stars left off last weekend at their showcase, going a perfect 2-0.

The AAA Stars began the new season hot out of the gate with a perfect 3-0 record through pre-season play.

Since that time though, despite a couple of close contests to begin the regular season, the team has struggled a bit in the results department. The Stars enter the weekend having posted an 0-1-1 record through their opening two games of the season.

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Although the team enters the weekend in search of their first win of the new season, Stars’ Head Coach Brett Parker said the team’s record through the early going is not reflective of the group’s effort in their performance so far.

“We [have been] right there in the games,” Parker said. “We had a nice tight one with P.A. which is great to build off of, and while unfortunately a few things didn’t go our way against the [Saskatoon] Blazers, we definitely have areas of improvement that I feel over a few more games and practices, we will iron out some of the details.”

Parker said the Showcase provides an excellent opportunity for the players to highlight their abilities in front of not only the fans in attendance, but scouts from across the province and country as well.

The Stars pride themselves on playing a fast game with solid goaltending and big bodies that provide grit on the back end. Coach Parker said more than anything though, the team’s identity is all about their compete level and willingness to leave it all on the ice each shift.

“First and foremost what we were looking for at camp was relentless competitors and team players, and that is what I see on and off the ice,” Parker said. “Whether it is competing in practice in 1-on-1 drills, or while playing video games, they are a competitive group that like their teammates and contributing to the shared success of the group.”

The Stars will open the Showcase Friday with an afternoon game against the Swift Current Legionnaires at 2:30 p.m.

Swift Current is 0-2 to start the season and, like the Battlefords, will be looking to turn the tide with a good showing to open the weekend.

Saturday morning the Stars will play the Notre Dame Hounds at 11 a.m. in their final game of the Showcase. For the Hounds, the contest will mark their season-opener.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1