Kobie Anderson of the North Stars faces off with Melville's Caden Drury. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Shoot for 2-0 series lead

North Stars host Melville for Game 2 looking to build on series opener

Mar 23, 2024 | 2:00 PM

Less than 24 hours after opening the playoffs with a 4-1 win in a rambunctious Game 1 finish, the Battlefords North Stars return to action Saturday night at the ACC, for Game 2 of their first-round playoff series with the Melville Millionaires.

A one-goal contest to the final minutes of play, head coach Brayden Klimosko said there was lots to like about the team’s defensive effort in Game 1, adding that they will need to bring the same energy defending in Game 2 to see continued success.

“[Melville is] a defensive type of team, and we’re going to have to be dialed in on that aspect if we want to win hockey games, so it was a good effort and there’s lots to be happy about, but it’s a new day and new opportunity for both sides tonight,” he said.

In a series where goals look to be at a premium already, the Battlefords’ Game 1 victory was led by their game-breakers, as the top line of Kian Bell (two goals, one assist), Ben Portner (one goal, one assist), and Brayden Sinclair (one goal), combined for four goals and six points in the win.

Always a target of the opposition’s physicality in an effort to contain their production, at the heart of Friday’s spirited ending was a huge hit on Bell late by Melville defenceman Colby Ball. The hit earned the blue liner a five-minute major penalty – since rescinded and changed to a two-minute minor – for a Blow/Hit to the Head along with a 10-minute Misconduct.

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Leading to an additional 30 minutes in penalties from the scrum that followed, Klimosko said he was proud of his group for standing up for their teammate and setting a precedent early in the series.

“That’s what it’s all about, we’ve got to stick up for our teammates and I thought we did a good job of that all game,” the coach said. “We’re not going to get pushed around here, and if we do it’s going to be a short series. If they think they’re going to push us around, that ain’t going to be the case; our guys know what it takes to win playoff games and we’ll be ready for [the physical tone] again here, tonight.”

The lone lineup change for the North Stars heading into Game 2 will see the return of first-year standout Gavin Granger on the backend. Granger will replace ‘AP’ call-up Linken Fisher on the blue line, after missing Friday’s opener due to illness.

Game 2 Saturday from North Battleford will be available on 1050 CJNB. The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Broadcast will begin with the Ultra Print Pregame Show at 7 p.m., with puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m.

In other Game 2 action around the SJHL Saturday, the #1 Flin Flon Bombers host the #8 Kindersley Klippers (FF leads series 1-0); the #2 Melfort Mustangs host the #7 Estevan Bruins (MLF leads series 1-0); and the #3 Humboldt Broncos host the #6 Weyburn Red Wings (HUM leads series 1-0).

North Stars vs Millionaires series schedule:

Game 1: 4-1 North Stars, the final (BAT 1-0 series lead)

Game 2: Sat., Mar. 23 @ North Battleford – 7:30 p.m.

Game 3: Tues., Mar. 26 @ Melville – 7 p.m.

Game 4: Wed., Mar. 27 @ Melville – 7 p.m.

*Game 5: Fri., Mar. 29 @ North Battleford – 7:30 p.m.

*Game 6: Sun., Mar. 31 @ Melville – 6 p.m.

*Game 7: Tues., Apr. 2 @ North Battleford – 7:30 p.m.

*If needed

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1