Stars’ forward, Kaden Boser and Bruins’ center, Ryder Pierson pictured here on the faceoff. Wednesday night will mark the third matchup of the season-series between the Stars and Bruins and second showdown at Affinity Place in Estevan. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Back On The Horse

North Stars aim for bounce-back in battle with Bruins

Dec 4, 2019 | 2:00 PM

Coming off just their fourth loss of the season Tuesday night in Wilcox, the Battlefords North Stars will aim for a quick bounce-back Wednesday evening at Affinity place in Estevan, against the Bruins.

Wednesday’s game will be the second in as many nights for the Stars and their second in what will be four games in five nights this week.

Despite their tough start to the road swing Tuesday, the Stars remain comfortably in top spot of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) standings. At 26-3-1 on the year, the Battlefords’ 53 points are 10 more than second place, Flin Flon.

Estevan on the other hand, have had a bit of a tough season thus far. At 10-13-3, the Bruins sit third in the Viterra Division and eleventh overall in the twelve-team Saskatchewan League with just 23 points on the year.

That being said, the Bruins do hold a staggering six games in-hand on Melville, who they trail by just a single point within the division. They also hold five games in-hand on Notre Dame, who the Bruins trail by just four points.

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While Estevan has had inconsistencies through their offensive game this season, one common theme for the club has been strong netminding this year from starter, Keenan Rancier.

Rancier is likely to get the start Wednesday against the Battlefords, as the 19-year-old has started each of the previous two matchups of the season-series against the Stars.

The Victoria, BC., product has backstopped the Bruins to each of the team’s 10 wins this season, posting a 2.28 goals-against average and .917 save percentage in the process.

The North Stars will look to challenge the Bruins’ standout goalie early and often with a lethal offensive attack led by second-year star, Quintin Loon-Stewardson.

Loon-Stewardson sits fourth in goals (21) and seventh in points (37) in the league scoring race this season, and enters play red-hot, with six points in his last four games.

In addition to Quintin Loon-Stewardson – and his linemates, Rylan Nivon and Elijah Loon-Stewardson, who have combined for eight points over the last four games in their own right – the Stars’ new look Esau-Becker-Kesslering line should be another to keep tabs on heading into play Wednesday.

While held without a point Tuesday evening, the unit passed the eye test in spades. Dylan Esau had likely his best game of the season after shifting to the middle of the ice, making plays and forcing turnovers all over the ice.

Austin Becker and Steven Kesslering, meanwhile, were buzzing on their respective wings, giving the Hounds’ defence headaches the club’s blue liners are likely still in need of an Advil to cure.

The Battlefords’ trio will look to replicate their performance against the Bruins.

Behind the Stars’ attack, the Battlefords will turn to Austin Schwab Wednesday between the pipes. It will mark the 18-year-old’s second start in the last week.

Schwab has been lights out for the Stars this season, entering action with a perfect 7-0 record, to go along with a dynamite 1.98 goals-against average and .932 save percentage.

Fans can catch Wednesday’s action on NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey on 1050 CJNB. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin at 6:45 p.m. with puck drop at 7 p.m.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1