Already SJHL champions, the Battlefords North Stars will now advance to the Centennial Cup to compete for a National Championship. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Nationals bound

North Stars Centennial Cup schedule

Apr 26, 2023 | 3:35 PM

Coming off an SJHL Championship run for the ages, the Battlefords North Stars will now look to continue their quest onto the National level to compete at the 2023 Centennial Cup.

Held this year in Portage, MB., May 11-21, the Centennial Cup will feature 10 teams:

The North Stars will be joined by the host Portage Terriers, and champion representatives from the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Ligue de hockey junior AAA du Québec (LHJQ), Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL), Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), and Maritime Hockey League (MHL).

A look at the North Stars schedule for the Centennial Cup in calendar form. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

The North Stars are guaranteed to play at least four games through round robin play, ahead of the playoff rounds.

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The Stars will open their schedule with the first game of the tournament, Thurs., May 11 against the SIJHL champs (a league with teams based out of Ontario, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) at 10:30 a.m. Saskatchewan time.

Following an off-day Friday, the Stars will play their second game Sat., May 13 at 10:30 a.m. Sask time, against the OJHL champions (Ontario), again opening the day’s action.

Off again Sunday, the Stars will return to play Monday night at 6:30 p.m. for the final game of the day against the host Terriers.

Tuesday, the Stars will cap their round robin schedule against the MJHL champs (Manitoba) at 6:30 p.m., followed by the start of the playoff rounds, Friday.

The quarter-finals will kick-off Friday, with the semis Saturday, and Finals Sunday.

Where they currently stand

As of Apr. 26, the North Stars (SJHL), host Portage Terriers, Yarmouth Mariners (MHL), and Collège Français de Longueuil (LHJQ) are the first four teams to have solidified their place at the National tournament. The following is where the other leagues currently sit in their post-season.

SIJHL: The Thunder Bay North Stars currently lead the Kam River Fighting Walleye 2-0 in the best-of-seven League Finals series.

OJHL: The Collingwood Blues lead the Trenton Golden Hawks 2-1 in the League Finals.

NOJHL: The Timmins Rock and Soo Thunderbirds are tied 2-2 in the League Finals.

MJHL: The Steinbach Pistons lead the Virden Oil Capitals 2-0 in the League Finals.

AJHL: The Brooks Bandits lead the Spruce Grove Saints 2-1 in the League Finals.

CCHL: The Smiths Falls Bears lead the Ottawa Junior Senators 2-1 in the League Finals.

All of the North Stars’ games at the Centennial Cup will be available on 1050 CJNB, with the Ultra Print Pregame Show to begin 30 minutes prior to puck drop each game on the NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1