Ben Portner and his linemates saw a lot of Flin Flon's Kylynn Olafson-centered checking unit in Game 1, as one of the prominent head-to-head matchups to watch as the series progresses. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Friday night Showdown

North Stars aim for quick bounce back in Game 2 in Flin Flon

Apr 5, 2024 | 2:00 PM

The Battlefords North Stars return to action Friday night in Flin Flon, looking to rebound quickly in Game 2 of their semi-finals series with the rival, Flin Flon Bombers.

Coming off a 4-3 defeat in Game 1 just a night ago, which saw the team outshot 59-23, the North Stars did see some positives to build on with the lights-out play of their goaltender Logan Cunningham and a lethal 2-for-3 showing on the power play.

Head coach Brayden Klimosko said heading into Game 2, it’s now just about turning things up a notch in the other facets of the game.

“I thought we struggled, to be honest, and I don’t think we worked near hard enough,” Klimosko said, reflecting back on Game 1. “Overall while the score was close, I think we’ve got a lot more [to give], and I think we’re going to have to if we’re going to win this series.”

“[…] Ham-er (Cunningham) was rock solid for us last night, and we’re going to need him to continue to be that rock-solid force for us, and hopefully we play a little bit better in front of him here tonight.”

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A series headlined by its star power, Game 1 saw a number of the league’s biggest names take centre stage, led by dual two-goal outings from Ben Portner of the North Stars and Justin Lies of the Bombers, while Alex Izyk (Battlefords) and Jacob Vockler (Flin Flon) also chipped in with a pair of assists on the night.

Key depth pieces such as Hunter Burgeson of the North Stars and Matt Egan of the Bombers also scored big goals for their teams in Game 1, as Burgeson’s third of the playoffs tied the game in the first, and Egan’s second reestablished the Bombers’ lead in the early stages of the second.

Game 2 from Flin Flon Friday will be available on 1050 CJNB. The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Broadcast will begin with the Ultra Print Pregame Show at 6 p.m. and puck drop to follow at 6:30 p.m. Saskatchewan time.

In other semi-finals action around the SJHL Friday, the #2 Melfort Mustangs and #3 Humboldt Broncos will also play the second game of their series, in Melfort. The Mustangs won Game 1 by a 4-2 score Thursday to take a 1-0 series lead.

Full North Stars vs. Bombers series schedule:

Game 1: 4-3 Bombers (FF 1-0 series lead)

Game 2: Friday, April 5 @ Whitney Forum, FF (6:30 p.m. SK time)

Game 3: Monday, April 8 @ Access Communications Centre, BAT (7:30 p.m.)

Game 4: Tues, April 9 @ Access Communications Centre, BAT (7:30 p.m.)

*Game 5: Friday, April 12 @ Whitney Forum, FF (6:30 p.m.)

*Game 6: Sunday, April 14 @ Access Communications Centre, BAT (7:30 p.m.)

*Game 7: Tuesday, April 16 @ Whitney Forum, FF (6:30 p.m.)

*If needed.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1