Locked in: Stars’ forward Elijah Loon-Stewardson has been lethal against the Hounds this season, with four goals and nine points through his opening five games against Notre Dame. With two points in his return to the lineup Saturday, Loon-Stewardson has 16 goals, 46 points in 43 games this year. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

rivalry continues

Stars aim for third straight in home meeting with Hounds

Feb 11, 2020 | 2:08 PM

As the regular season schedule continues to wind down and the playoffs draw near, the Battlefords North Stars will return to the ice Tuesday night as the team will welcome the rival Notre Dame Hounds to town for their second last home game of the season at the Civic Centre.

The North Stars have won seven straight on home ice heading into the evening, and four of their opening five games against the Hounds this year.

Laying claim to a league-high 41-8-2 record heading into play, the North Stars’ 84 points are 13 more than second place overall, and a staggering 45 more than Notre Dame. The Hounds sit 11^th overall in the 12-team league with 39 points this season.

Despite the advantage, Notre Dame should be a determined team. The Hounds will be desperate to snap a three-game losing skid, having won just two of their last 10 games overall.

Notre Dame will need a big night from their netminder if the team is to find success Tuesday; the North Stars’ offence has scored 20 goals over their last five games, with 12 different scorers chipping in over the span.

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Austin Becker and Matthias Urbanski will lead the team into play, with 53 and 52 points respectively.

Both have been especially hot of late, as Becker has picked up 11 points over his last six games played, while Urbanski has four goals and nine points over his last five.

The Stars will need their depth of offence to continue, as leading scorer Quintin Loon-Stewardson and rookie standout Steven Kesslering will join Rylan Nivon sidelined due to injury.

While it remains to be seen who will get the challenge in goal for Notre Dame, 20-year-old, Logan Dyck is perhaps the favourite to get the nod.

Dyck stopped 41 of 44 North Stars’ shots in the teams’ last meeting, Jan. 18. Through 15 games this season, Dyck has posted a 3.04 goals-against average and .911 save percentage.

Austin Schwab will get the start in the North Stars’ goal. Through 14 games, Schwab has posted a sterling 12-2 record, along with a 2.42 goals-against average and .919 save percentage.

Tuesday night’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.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1