The Battlefords North Stars and Kindersley Klippers will play four times this preseason. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Back In Action

North Stars remain positive following preseason opening weekend

Oct 26, 2020 | 3:00 PM

The Battlefords North Stars kicked off their preseason this weekend, with a home-and-home versus the Kindersley Klippers.

The Stars fell 5-2 Friday night in North Battleford, and 4-1 Saturday in Kindersley. However, despite the losses, there remains a positive aura around the rink this week, as the team feels as though they are just scratching the surface of what they are capable of.

Stars’ Forward, Logan Spence, said while the end result of the opening two games may have been less than ideal, it was great just to get back on the ice. He said they still have plenty more to give as the exhibition schedule continues.

“First of all, it’s just so nice to get back out here,” Spence said. “Obviously we’ve still got a long way to go, it’s the first games of the year so they’re going to be a little sloppy for us, but we’ve got a lot more to show and we’re going to prove it here, coming up.”

Forward, Jaxon Steele, said even seeing the team’s progress as the games went along this weekend, is certainly a positive sign heading into the new week.

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“It’s been seven months [since last season], and I think you could tell a lot of guys were maybe a little bit rusty out there, including myself,” Steele said. “But as the games went on we got better and better, so hopefully that continues for the rest of the preseason.”

Among the bright spots for the North Stars through their first two games has been the play of a number of their young guns, looking to stick with the team and make the final opening night roster.

Stars’ first-year forward, Tanner Klimpke made an impact early, scoring Friday night for the team. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Fourteen of the 25 players on the Stars preseason roster got their first taste of SJHL action this weekend, between the two games.

Steele said with so many first-year players this year, it was good to see the rookies jump right in and get their nose dirty early.

“I think the young guys did pretty good,” the veteran said. “A lot of guys played their first junior game this weekend, and I’m sure they didn’t really know what to fully expect, but they played well and we’ll all continue to get better and better as the games go on as well.”

The North Stars and Klippers will play another back-to-back this week. Thursday night the two sides will meet at the Civic Centre, with Friday night’s game at the West Central Events Centre in Kindersley.

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League is still awaiting an official start date to the regular season. North Stars broadcasts on 1050 CJNB will begin with the start of the regular season.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1