Friday’s showdown at the Civic Centre will feature a number of prominent matchups, as the high-flying Bombers, led by Alec Malo and company will battle it out with a stalwart Stars’ defence, captained by Matthew Fletcher. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Heavyweight Tilt

Stars welcome Bombers to town as league’s top two teams collide

Dec 13, 2019 | 1:52 PM

After nearly a full week since their last game, the Battlefords North Stars will return to action Friday night against the Flin Flon Bombers at the Civic Centre.

The first of back-to-back meetings this weekend, Friday’s game will feature the top two teams in the league’s standings duking it out in a two-part cage match in the Battlefords.

The North Stars enter play in top spot of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) standings at 26-5-2 this season.

However, with their return to the ice, the team will be looking to bounce back from a stretch of adversity that has seen Stars mired in the midst of a four-game skid, posting an 0-2-2 record over the span.

Friday will prove an excellent opportunity for the team to rebound in a big way, against the squad lurking just behind them in the standings.

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Flin Flon have been the hottest team in the league over the last month, posting eight wins over their last 10, and a 22-6-4 record overall through 32 games.

The Bombers’ scorching play over the last month has moved the team just six points back of the Battlefords for top spot overall, while still holding a game in hand on the schedule.

In addition to showcasing the top two teams in the league, the Civic Centre dual will also feature the top two offences in the league facing off.

Averaging nearly 4.5 goals per game, the Bombers are led up front by the most dynamic three-headed monster in the league.

Forwards Cole Rafuse (55 points), Alec Malo (55 points) and Donavan Houle-Villeneuve (42 points) sit second, third and fifth in league scoring, respectively. Together the trio have combined for a staggering 57 goals and 152 points this year.

Adding to the terror they reign, the three are especially dangerous on the power play, helping lead Flin Flon to an unparalleled, 27.9 percent efficiency rate with the man advantage.

The Stars, by contrast, rank sixth on the power play at 16.4 per cent.

Power play scoring will likely be at a premium for both sides though, with the Stars and Bombers ranking 1-2 in penalty kill prowess at 89.4 and 87.3 per cent effectiveness.

At even strength is where the Battlefords will look to make their mark, as they have throughout the season at large.

The team features four players with 30 or more points, in addition to two of the top three point-producers on the back end, in rearguards, Matthew Fletcher (29 points) and Seth Summers (26 points).

Holding the fort between the pipes, goaltender, Austin Schwab will get the call for the Stars in goal Friday. Schwab has won seven of his eight starts this season, while posting a 2.34 goals-against average and .921 save percentage in the process.

Jacob Delorme is the likely choice in net for the Bombers. The 19-year-old has started each of the last eight games, and 11 of Flin Flon’s past 12 overall. He carries a 2.97 goals-against average and .908 save percentage into play.

Friday’s game will be broadcasted on 1050 CJNB. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin at 7:15 p.m. with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. on NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey.

North Stars lineup

Forwards:

R. Nivon, Q. Loon-Stewardson, E. Loon-Stewardson

A. Becker, B. Hiltz, J. Steele

M. Urbanski, K. Boser, D. Esau

C. Reagan, R. McNinch, S. Kesslering

Defencemen:

S. Summers, M. Fletcher

N. Form, D. McCabe

L. Antoniuk, T. Prexler

Goaltenders:

A. Schwab

A. Dmyterko

—

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1