Hunter Burgeson of the North Stars gets set for the faceoff against Kylynn Olafson of the Bombers during semi-finals series play. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Win to stay in

North Stars lock in for pivotal Game 4 with season on the line

Apr 9, 2024 | 3:50 PM

The Battlefords North Stars return to action Tuesday night at the Access Communications Centre, with the season on the line heading into Game 4 of their semi-final series with the rival, Flin Flon Bombers.

Coming off a 5-2 loss in Game 3 a night ago and down 3-0 in the best-of-seven series, the team remains confident despite the deficit in their ability to answer back and send it back to Flin Flon for Game 5 on Friday.

“Obviously you never want to be down 3-0, but we’re going to make the most of it here, we’re going to take it one game at a time, and it starts tonight,” Captain Tanner Gold said.

“We’ve got tons of experience in the locker room which helps a bunch. There’s pressure, but we don’t feel it too much. We know we can beat them. We know we just have to go out there and play our game.”

With four of their seven goals through the opening three games of the series coming via a man advantage, the North Stars must now find a way to capitalize on a few more chances 5-on-5; a strong point for the team throughout the regular season.

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“We’re missing the net lots, so I think we just need to focus on hitting the net, throwing the puck on goal, and testing their goalie,” Gold said of the key to creating more offense at even strength. “I don’t think we’ve really tested him as much as we should be out there.”

Kian Bell has been a force all playoffs, coming off another two-goal performance in Game 3, to enter Game 4 Tuesday night tied for the league lead in both goals (eight) and points (15) in just seven games played this post-season. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Game 3 of the series saw both teams’ superstars lead the way. Kian Bell of the North Stars and Justin Lies of the Bombers each notched a pair of goals, with the difference again proving to be the secondary offense of Flin Flon. Four different players notching a goal in the night, after six different players scored for the team in their 6-2 win in Game 2.

Head Coach Brayden Klimosko said heading into a must-win Game 4, it becomes all the more important to bear down on the chances the team does create when the opportunities present themselves.

“We probably need a few more guys to contribute if we can [but] now obviously that’s easier said than done,” Klimosko said. “[Flin Flon] defends hard and they make it hard to score, but we’ve had some chances, enough that if we score one or two it could make a real difference.”

Game 4 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. on the NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Broadcast.

In other SJHL semi-finals action Tuesday, the #2 Melfort Mustangs will travel to Humboldt for Game 3 of their series with the #3 Humboldt Broncos (MLF leads series 2-0).

Full North Stars vs. Bombers series schedule:

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

Game 2: 6-2 Bombers (FF 2-0 series lead)

Game 3: 5-2 Bombers (FF 3-0 series lead)

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