The North Stars and Terriers faced off in round robin play in a game dubbed by many as 'the game of the tournament,' and will now renew acquaintances in the Centennial Cup semi-finals. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Heavyweight tilt

North Stars face host, Terriers in Centennial Cup semi-finals

May 20, 2023 | 10:00 AM

The Battlefords North Stars return to action at the Centennial Cup Saturday night in Portage, MB., for their semi-finals game against the host, Portage Terriers.

The North Stars are coming off a bye in the quarterfinals after clinching top spot in Group B at the end of round robin play, with a 3-0-1-0 record (wins-OT wins-losses-OT losses).

Portage meanwhile, who finished second in Group B with a 3-0-1-0 record of their own, are coming off an additional 2-1 win in their quarterfinals matchup with the Yarmouth Mariners of the Maritime Junior Hockey League.

The semi-finals matchup will be the second meeting between the two sides this tournament, after the North Stars topped the Terriers 3-2 in their third game of the round robin.

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The North Stars are led into play by SJHL Top Goaltender, Josh Kotai, who was also named Centennial Cup Top Goaltender Thursday, after posting a sparkling 1.75 goals against average and .944 save percentage through the Stars’ first four games.

Up front, the duo of Steven Kesslering and Jake Southgate will also headline the players to watch heading into the Battlefords’ semi-finals matchup.

Kesslering is tied for the tournament lead with five goals through the Stars’ four games so far, while setting the tempo for the team on a nightly basis with his speed and ferocity on the forecheck.

Southgate, the Stars’ hometown captain, has scored a goal and three assists, while also setting the tone with his dogged backchecking and strength and explosiveness through all three zones.

North Stars captain Jake Southgate and Terriers’ alternate captain Ryan Botterill will be at the forefront of Saturday’s matchup in the Centennial Cup semi-finals. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Portage are led into the semis by a pair of their own hometown standouts, in Ryan Botterill and Kian Calder.

Botterill, a game-breaking left-winger, is tied with Kesslering for the tournament lead with five goals so far, including scoring the game winner in the hosts’ final game of the round robin against Collingwood, to clinch his team second seed in the Group.

Calder is second amongst defensemen in scoring this tournament with two goals and six points in five games, while leading the Terriers from the blue line with his heavy physical presence at even strength and lethal one-timer on the power play.

In goal, the Terriers will start Bailey Monteith opposite Kotai. Through five games, Monteith has posted a 4-0-1-0 record with a 2.21 goals against average and .939 save percentage.

Saturday’s game will be available on 1050 CJNB, with the Ultra Print Pregame Show at 6 p.m. and puck drop to follow at 6:30 p.m. Saskatchewan time, on the NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1