Forward, Emmett Wurst has been a Swiss Army knife for the North Stars, lining up at both centre and wing throughout the early part of the season. He will suit up Tuesday on the left wing alongside Colby Bear and Keiton Klein. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Surging stars

North Stars travel to La Ronge on hunt for eighth straight

Oct 4, 2022 | 1:42 PM

The surging Battlefords North Stars return to action Tuesday night in La Ronge, in search of their eighth straight win to open the season.

At 7-0 to start the year, the Stars are coming off a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory in Melfort Friday. La Ronge (3-3-1) will be looking to snap a three-game skid, most recently coming off an 5-4 overtime loss to Humboldt Saturday in their home barn.

Steven Kesslering leads the North Stars and sits third overall in league scoring with 11 points through his opening seven games, including six goals which sits just one back of Keiton Klein’s seven to lead all players.

La Ronge are led by their top line of Ryley Morgan, Walker Jarome and Ethan Strik who sit 1-2-3 in team scoring, with Morgan’s nine points (all assists) pacing the team, as well as the captain Jarome’s five goals.

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The North Stars hold a slight edge on the special teams with the league’s second best power play, clicking at 29.7 per cent, and ninth-best penalty kill (78.8 per cent), to La Ronge’s fifth-ranked power play (19 per cent) and 11^th ranked PK at 76.2 per cent.

In goal, the North Stars will see a return to play of SJHL Goaltender of the Week, Josh Kotai after a rare night’s rest. Kotai enters Tuesday’ contest with a league-best 6-0 record, 0.94 goals against average, and .970 save percentage.

At the other end, the Ice Wolves will tap Dawson Smith for his sixth start of the season and seventh game. Smith has posted a 3-1-1 record with a 2.68 goals against average and .939 save percentage.

Tuesday’s game will be available on 1050 CJNB. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin at 7 p.m., with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. on the NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Broadcast.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1