Veteran forward, Steven Kesslering wasted no time getting on the board this season, scoring in the Stars' opener versus Kindersley Friday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Home sweet home

North Stars welcome Klippers to town for home opener

Sep 17, 2022 | 3:30 PM

Coming off a 4-3 victory over the rival, Kindersley Klippers Friday, the Battlefords North Stars will return to action Saturday night in North Battleford, looking to repeat the feat in their home opener.

Four different North Stars chipped in on the scoring in Friday’s season-opening win, boding well for a deep offensive attack as foreshadowed through the pre-season.

Rookie defenceman, Jordan Gibbs notched the first of his SJHL career to headline the team’s offensive contributions, while veteran forwards, Evan Wadlie, Steven Kesslering and Keiton Klein also get on the board early with their first of the campaign.

The Stars will be looking for that continued depth of scoring Saturday, as key forwards, Holden Doell and Zane Florence will remain out due to injury.

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The pair will be joined on the sideline by goaltender, Lowen Kenyon who left Friday’s game following 40 minutes with an upper body injury.

Goaltender, Josh Kotai, who stopped all 11 shots he faced in the third period after taking over, will make his first career SJHL start with the Stars, Saturday.

For Kotai, who spent last year with the Vermont Lumberjacks of the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), and their EHLP affiliate, making his first start with the team is something he’s been looking forward to for some time.

“I wanted to come here [to the Battlefords] last year, but just under the circumstances with COVID and everything it wasn’t possible, so I’m super glad to be able to come here this year and hope to bring a good key to the team to help their success,” he said just prior to the season’s start. “I’m looking for a great season.”

Kotai and his counterpart in the Klippers’ goal could be busy Saturday, if the season opener is any indication.

Both the Stars and Klippers wasted no time getting pucks on goal Friday, as Kindersley just edged the Battlefords 40-38 on the shot counter, while both teams were an even 1-for-4 on the power play.

To celebrate Saturday’s home-opener, the North Stars will be hosting a BBQ at Beaver Lions Stadium (the baseball field right next to the ACC) from 5-6:30 p.m. A burger and a pop will be available for $5, with a burger and a beer available for $10.

Saturday’s home-opener will be available on The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Radio Broadcast on 1050 CJNB. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin at 7 p.m., with puck drop at 7:30 p.m.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1