Stars’ forward Colby Bear ties up with Ice Wolves’ defenceman Parker Layton. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Back in action

North Stars kick off weekend road trip in La Ronge

Nov 11, 2022 | 2:00 PM

The Battlefords North Stars hit the road to La Ronge Friday, for their first of what will be another a back-to-back this weekend, with stops in La Ronge and Nipawin.

The Stars enter play Friday as the top team in Canada, with an SJHL-leading 17-0-1-1 record through 19 games, for 36 points, and an eight-point lead over second place Flin Flon.

La Ronge are second in the Sherwood Division and fifth overall with a 12-7-1 record for 25 points. Like the Stars, the Ice Wolves have also played some of their best hockey of late, coming off back-to-back wins over Kindersley Tuesday and Wednesday, in search of their third straight overall.

The Stars enter play led by the most dynamic line in junior hockey, as forwards Holden Doell (30 points), Jake Southgate (30 points) and Kian Bell (29 points) sit 1-2-3 in league scoring.

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The Stars’ big three have combined for 89 points this season, while La Ronge’s top unit of Walker Jarome (22 points), Ryley Morgan (22 points) and Ethan Strik (19 points) counter with a combined 63 points in 20 games, the fourth-most of any trio.

Together, the Ice Wolves’ three have combined for four goals and six points over their last two games, as Jarome enters play on a six-game point streak with Morgan on a seven-game streak.

Due to the star power on both sides, special teams could play a pivotal role in Friday’s contest.

The Stars hold a decided advantage on the power play this year with a 26.7 percent success rate up-a-man, to La Ronge’s 17.8 percent (seventh). However, the Wolves due hold a slight edge on the kill where their 85 percent (third) ranks ahead of the Stars’ 83.5 percent (fourth).

In goal is where perhaps the best matchup comes, as two of the league’s elite will face-off.

North Stars’ netminder Josh Kotai leads all goalies with 13 wins, while his 1.87 goals against average and .942 save percentage are also benchmarks at the position. Kotai has achieved those numbers while playing the second-most games this year, having suited up for 15 of the Stars’ first 19 games.

La Ronge counter with Dawson Smith, who has backstopped the Ice Wolves to eight of their first 12 wins, with a 2.64 goals against average (fourth) and .929 save percentage (third), each ranking amongst the league’s best.

Friday’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