Pictured here: Stars’ forward, Rylan Nivon (#23) battles for space in front with Bombers’ blue liner, Dane Hirst (#16). The weekend double-header between the Battlefords North Stars and Flin Flon Bombers has brought with it a playoff like intensity that should only continue Saturday evening at the Civic Centre. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Showdown continues

North Stars look for weekend sweep in round two vs. Bombers

Dec 14, 2019 | 12:50 PM

Following a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Flin Flon Bombers Friday night at the Civic Centre, the Battlefords North Stars will return to their home barn for round two against the Bombers Saturday, looking for a similar result.

The Stars enter play 27-5-2 on the season. With a league-best 56 points on the year, the team sits eight points up on Flin Flon who are 22-7-4 (for 48 points) for top spot in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) standings.

If the Battlefords can complete the weekend sweep, the team will regain a double-digit point lead over their rivals to the northeast, although the Bombers do still hold a single game in hand.

Friday’s matchup delivered on the hype of two powerhouse teams clashing in action, bringing a playoff like feel to the Civic Centre. The teams will look to bring a similar intensity Saturday, as each side will try to correctly toe the line between playing aggressive and staying disciplined.

Special teams played a key factor Friday, with the two sides combining for three power play goals on the night. The Stars’ two power play markers – to the Bombers’ one -ultimately proved the difference on the evening.

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The two sides enter play Saturday first and fifth respectively on the power play. The Bombers have cashed on just under 28 percent of their power play chances (1^st), and the Stars, just over 17 percent (5^th).

On the penalty kill, the teams hold the standard as well, as the Battlefords’ penalty kill is clicking at just under 90 percent (1^st), and Flin Flon’s at just over 86 percent (2^nd).

Stars’ forward, Jaxon Steele, who led the way for the home side with a two-goal performance to open the weekend, will be reunited Saturday with centerman Ben Hiltz and Austin Becker.

While each of Steele’s two goals came on the power play, the unit was also among the team’s most dangerous at even-strength. The trio will look to impose their will again as the three continue to build chemistry as a unit.

Also reunited Saturday will be the Matthias Urbanski, Kaden Boser and Dylan Esau unit. Together the three were matched up on a nearly shift-by-shift basis against the Bombers’ big line of Alec Malo, Cole Rafuse and Tristan Lemyre.

On the back end, the lone change to the Stars’ lineup from the night prior will be the addition of Walter Somers to the third pair alongside Liam Antoniuk.

The Stars’ blue line, led by Dylan McCabe who opened the scoring, where a big part of the team’s success Friday.

In addition to taking care of their own end, the defence core also played a pivitol role in the offense, joining the rush with regularity and getting their shots through traffic. Those will likely be key factors once again for the team to find continued success Saturday.

In goal, Austin Schwab will get the start for the Stars for the second consecutive night after stopping 35 of 37 Bombers’ shots Friday.

Schwab has posted a, 8-1 record through his opening nine games, to go along with a sparkling 2.30 goals-against average and .925 save percentage this season.

At the other end, Jacob Delorme will likely make his second start in as many nights as well.

Delorme has started each of the Bombers’ last nine games, and 12 of Flin Flon’s last 13 overall. The 19-year-old carries a 14-5 record into play, to go along with a 2.98 goals-against average and .909 save percentage.

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

It will also be teddy bear toss night at the Civic Centre. Fans are invited to bring teddy bears to throw on the ice when the Stars score, that will then be donated to those in need ahead of the holiday season.

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, W. Somers

Goaltenders:

A. Schwab

A. Dmyterko

—

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1