Stars’ forward Ryland McNinch picked up his sixth goal of the season Friday night at the Civic Centre, and has now scored in back-to-back games heading into Saturday night’s matchup against the Klippers. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Back where it started

Stars look to stay hot, cap season on high note in Kindersley

Feb 29, 2020 | 2:00 PM

While it may feel like just yesterday the Battlefords North Stars opened their season with back-to-back wins over the rival Klippers; the team will now draw the campaign to a close Saturday hoping to repeat the feat where it all began, at the West Central Events Centre in Kindersley.

Saturday night will mark the eighth and final instalment of the season-series between the North Stars and Klippers, and second showdown of their home-and-home this weekend. The Stars enter the matchup 5-2 against their closest rival, coming off a 5-4 victory over their foes Friday night at the Civic Centre.

Serving as the Battlefords’ final tune-up game ahead of the playoffs, the North Stars will be looking to stay hot, led by their big wigs in a full 18-skater lineup for the first time in their last three games.

Matthew Fletcher and Austin Becker are likely the hottest Stars heading into play Saturday. Fletcher is coming off a first-star performance to open the weekend that saw the recently-named SJHL Top Defenceman pitch in two goals and an assist in his team’s 5-4 win.

Becker also scored a goal Friday, and has picked up five goals over his last six games and six in his last eight. The Wisconsin Wonder’s 22 goals are second on the team to only Quintin Loon-Stewardson (29), while his 59 points are a club-best.

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Because Kindersley finished just outside the playoff picture in ninth spot overall, the North Stars can expect the Klippers to bring their best in their final game of the year in front of the hometown crowd.

Kindersley is led up front by forward Liam Fraser, who scored his team-leading 29^th of the season Friday in the Battlefords, and has now picked up four goals over his last five games. Fraser also leads the Klippers in points with 48 this season.

In goal, Adam Dmyterko will get the start for the Stars Friday. Dmyterko has proven himself amongst the league’s elite this season, with a 15-3 record along with a 2.48 goals against average (third in SJHL) and .923 save percentage (fourth).

Kindersley will likely counter with Matt Sankner. Sanker’s 2.59 goals against average is fifth amongst qualified goalies, while his .923 save percentage tied with Dmyterko for fourth.

The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast will begin at 7:15 p.m. with puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m. on 1050 CJNB-CJNS and online at CJNB.ca.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1