North Stars flying high into matchup with Klippers

Justen Close in between the pipes is the defending SaskTel Top Goaltender from last year, and appears to have only picked up where he left off this season, standing amongst the top two, to this point in the season, in virtually every meaningful goaltending stat category, with 7 wins (T-1st ), a 1.98GAA (2nd), and a .934sv% (T-2nd), the Stars will no-doubt be looking to get pucks and traffic on goal early and often throughout the contest.

Leading the offensive charge for the North Stars is their top line, comprised of forward MacGregor Sinclair, who along with his linemates Matthias Urbanski and Ryan Gil, have torched the opposition, combining for 22 points through their first four games since the trio came together. No doubt an offensive juggernaut; this line has proven to be amongst the very best in the league, not only with their eye-popping offensive numbers, but with their dominating cycle game and puck possession as well.

On the second line, Elijah Loon-Stewardson is another North Star forward who should be brimming with confidence, coming off a two-goal two-assist performance last game. Loon-Stewardson will be joined as-per-usual by fellow veterans Braydon Buziak and Owen Lamb. This conglomerate combined for seven points last game alone, so there should be no shortage of offensive spark there.

The North Stars’ depth up front is perhaps most evident looking at their proverbial third line. Brett Gammer, flanked by Austin Becker on his left and Regan Doig on his right, have proven themselves to be a prolific unit in their own right as well. With Gammer coming off a performance that saw the 18-year-old Alberta product score his third goal of the year, and with the three players continuing to impress, and build further chemistry by the game, the North Stars look to have found a combination that will give even the best opposition defences fits moving forward.

Manning the middle on the fourth line for the Stars is Kaden Boser, who scored his first career goal Friday on a shorthanded tally. The Saskatoon native, Boser, will serve as the centreman for linemates Tanner Robin and Logan Spence, who returns to the lineup off injury. This line brings a dimension of speed and tenacity that will be imperative in a fast-paced, high-intensity game like this evening looks to be.

On the blue line, the Stars will be without a few key pieces, as both Matthew Fletcher and Jacob Bayne will be sidelined with various ailments, joining Noah Form, who remains out for the time being.

Cody Spagrud and Tanner Scott provide the Stars defence with fluent and efficient puck-moving ability, while also flourishing as a defensive wall in head-to-head matchups against the opposition’s best; their true specialty.

In the absence of three of the team’s top four defencemen out of camp, opportunity will be up for grabs for other players to harness the reins and fill in. Austin Shumanski, who was acquired earlier this season from the OCN Blizzard of the MJHL, has solidified his place as an invaluable piece of the Stars’ backend, and will be joined on the second pairing tonight by righty, Ryan Granville.

Highlighting the Stars’ immense depth on the blue line, Seth Summers, coming off a three-point night will anchor pair three, opposite Adam Weiner, providing the coaching staff with the opportunity to spread the minutes without having to stress too much about certain matchups on the road.

Goaltender Adam Dmyterko will return to the pipes this evening for his second game with the North Stars after leading the team to a 5-3 win over Melville for his first taste of SJHL action on Oct. 12.

North Stars fans can catch all the action starting with the pregame show at 7:15 p.m. with puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m. on 1050 CJNB.

North Stars lineup at a glance

Forwards:

M. Urbanski, M. Sinclair, R. Gil

E. Loon-Stewardson, B. Buziak, O. Lamb

A. Becker, B. Gammer, R. Doig

T. Robin, K. Boser, L. Spence

Defence:

T. Scott, C. Spagrud

A. Shumanski, R. Granville

S. Summers, A. Weiner

Goaltenders:

A. Dmyterko

J. Davidson

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1

by Martin Martinson

North Stars flying high into matchup with Klippers

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