RIley Girod of the North Stars will be counted on once again to help set a physical tone against a heavy La Ronge team, Saturday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Saturday night Showdown

North Stars host La Ronge for night two of weekend series

Feb 3, 2024 | 2:08 PM

The Battlefords North Stars host La Ronge for night two of the teams’ back-to-back weekend series, Saturday night at the Access Communications Centre.

The North Stars enter play first in the Nutrien Division and second overall in the league standings with a 30-8-3-1 record through 42 games, looking to build on a 5-4 shootout win in an epic comeback effort over the Ice Wolves a night ago.

La Ronge is fourth in the Sherwood Division and 11th overall with a 14-24-2-2 record through 42 games. With 32 points, the Ice Wolves sit five back of the eighth and final playoff spot, while having picked up at least a single point in three straight (2-0-0-1).

The North Stars will receive a major boost to the lineup with the return to action of forwards Ben Portner and Brayden Sinclair, and defenceman Carson Olsen.

Portner, who was recently-named the SJHL MVP of the Month and Forward of the Month, scored 13 goals and 20 points in nine games over the month of January. He makes his return off a one-game absence due to a day-to-day ailment.

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Sinclair and Olsen were each given Friday off as a maintenance day to rest up after the SJ/MJ Showcase, and will be back in line lineup fresh for night two.

Saturday’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 Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1