The Battlefords Stars will kick off their playoff series against the Moose Jaw Warriors on March 1 in Moose Jaw. (Image Credit: Byron Hildebrand Photography/Facebook)

By Ryan Lambert

SMAAAHL Playoffs

Battlefords AAA Stars look ahead to playoff matchup vs the Moose Jaw Warriors

Feb 24, 2026 | 5:18 PM

The Battlefords AAA Stars have locked into the seventh seed in the SMAAAHL and will take on the second seed Moose Jaw Winmar Warriors in the first round of the playoffs, which is a five-game series. 

Stars head coach Martin Smith was hoping the team could finish higher up in the standings but overall was happy with the team’s play down the home stretch of the season.  

“There were some games there that we were in control of, and we let a few points slip away. But I think that’s the nature of hockey. Sometimes you get the breaks and bounces and other times you don’t,” said Smith. “I thought all in all the last few weeks when the playoff spots were on the line that the boys rose to the occasion. I’m just happy we were able to clinch seventh and now it’s a whole new season.” 

Throughout the season, the Stars struggled against the Warriors, falling in all four contests they played against Moose Jaw. Although three of those games were decided by two goals or less with one of them in overtime.  

Although that is the case, anything can happen in the playoffs, and Smith said the general expectation of Moose Jaw to win takes some stress off his guys. “All the pressure is on them. They finished second. You know, I think as a team, we believe in that room that, you know, if we play like we can, we can create some havoc.” 

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While every shift and every play matters in the playoffs, Smith mentioned that he doesn’t want his players to play uptight during the series. “We’re stressing to limit the number of mistakes, but I just think we have to go out there and enjoy the moment and enjoy the fact that we’re in the playoffs and play loose,” he said. “Like I said, there’s no pressure on us. It’s all on them, and we can go out and just play our game and take it a shift at a time.” 

One big advantage that the Warriors have over the Stars is their depth, so the Stars will need to play tight defence to neutralize as many offensive opportunities as they can.

“They got six players with over 50 points and we have one. So, when it comes to offence, we have to do the little things right. We have to make sure we’re checking from the right side of the puck and play good defensively and play discipline. We can’t give their power play any extra opportunities.” 

According to Smith, the Stars can use their quickness as an advantage. 

“We’re a fast team and I think when we forecheck properly and finish checks that we can create some turnovers. That’ll be the key to our game is using our speed and making simple plays. I think that in the playoffs, you know, it’s a team that does the little things right that tend to have some success.” 

The first of the five-game series between the Stars and Warriors goes on March 1 in Moose Jaw. Puck drop will be at 6 p.m. 

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com