Jackson Allan pictured here in action against Weyburn's Elijah Anderson. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

In search of fifth straight

North Stars kick off back-to-back with Wings in North Battleford

Nov 10, 2023 | 4:25 PM

The Battlefords North Stars return to home ice Friday night, to open their weekend back-to-back with the Weyburn Red Wings, in North Battleford.

The North Stars enter play second in the Nutrien Division and fourth overall in the league standings with a 10-6-0-1 record, having played their best hockey of late, on a four-game winning streak.

The Red Wings are first in the Viterra Division and fifth overall with an 8-4-0-3 record, sitting just two points back of the North Stars while holding a pair of games in hand, having won four of their last five.

The lone blemish on the Wings’ record in their last five was a 9-2 loss to the Battlefords when the teams last met, Oct. 28. The Stars and Wings have split the first two games of the season series at a game apiece.

The North Stars enter the weekend led by a pair of defending SJHL Players of the Week.

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Kian Bell is the two-time defending MVP of the Week, coming off back-to-back four-point games. In just five games played since rejoining the North Stars, Bell is just a point back of the top 10 in league scoring with 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists).

Riley Girod is the defending Saskatchewan Player of the Week, coming off consecutive multi-point efforts with five points (two goals, three assists) over his last two games.

Weyburn’s offense is led by captain Max Monette, who paces the club with 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) through 15 games. Monette has been especially hot of late, entering play on a six-game point streak that’s seen him register five goals and seven assists over the span.

Between the pipes, the North Stars will go with Justen Maric. Maric is 6-2-0-1 with a 2.31 goals against average and .931 save percentage this year. At the other end, Weyburn are expected to start Dazza Mitchell. Mitchell is 7-1-0-3 with a 2.53 goals against average and .929 save percentage.

Friday’s NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Broadcast will be available on 1050 CJNB with the Ultra Print Pregame Show at 7 p.m. and puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1