North Stars defenceman Josh Karman pictured here opposite Yorkton's Aiden Knutson. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Back on the horse

North Stars look for quick bounce back in Yorkton

Sep 29, 2023 | 3:00 PM

Coming off an 8-4 loss to the Yorkton Terriers a night ago, the Battlefords North Stars return to play in Yorkton Friday, with a chance to answer back on night two of their three-game road swing.

Depth of scoring has been the M.O. of the North Stars (1-2-0) through the early going this season, with 11 different goal scorers having pitched in with a goal apiece through the team’s first three games.

However, where the Stars will need to find an answer is on the special teams, as they’ve allowed seven power-play goals over just 17 kills for a P.K. success rate of just under 60 percent. They’ve also yet to score on 11 power plays of their own while allowing a shorthanded goal against, Thursday.

The Stars will be playing a Yorkton team that should be brim with offensive confidence following Thursday’s eight-goal explosion.

The Terriers’ offense had been held to just two goals through their opening two games prior, with big guns Dylan Ruptash (two goals), Tate Schofer (two goals), Clay Sleeva (three assists), and Quintin Unreiner (three assists) leading the way for the team in the breakthrough.

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In goal, the North Stars will tap Cedric Cyr-Dauphinais to make his second start of the season, after fellow first-year Joey Hawco opened the trip. The 18-year-old, Cyr-Dauphinais enters play with a 4.09 goals against average and a .846 save percentage.

Yorkton is likely to give the nod to Caleb Allen, after Blake Sittler got the start last night, stopping 24 of 28 shots to backstop his team to the win. Allen is 1-0-1 this season, with a 1.40 goals-against average and .960 save percentage.

Due to the Riders game on 1050 CJNB, Friday’s game will be available on 93.3 Beach Radio, with the Ultra Print Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. and puck drop to follow at 7 p.m. on the NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1