North Stars captain Jake Southgate was a force at both ends of the ice in Game 1, making his presence felt generating scoring chances and backchecking hard. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Back on home ice

North Stars aim for quick rebound versus Wings in Game 2

Mar 18, 2023 | 3:45 PM

The Battlefords North Stars will look for a quick bounce-back Saturday night on home ice at the Access Communications Centre, when they play host to the Weyburn Red Wings for Game 2 of the teams’ first round playoff series.

The Wings took Game 1 by a 3-2 score, in a game heavily-influenced by special teams play. Four of the five goals on the night came during a power play, as the Wings’ scored two on the man-advantage and another shorthanded, while the Stars scored one of their two on the power play as well.

Head coach of the North Stars Brayden Klimosko said the key to a quick rebound Saturday night will be staying out of the box and keeping the game 5-on-5, as they did for much of the first period, outshooting Weyburn 14-9 as a result in the opening frame.

“I thought the game was very even [overall]; first period we out chanced them, then they did the same in the second to us,” Klimosko said. “I think the team needs to work harder in all areas, and we know what to expect and the effort Weyburn is brining so there’s no surprises there.”

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The North Stars will stick with their same lineup heading into Game 2, as despite the one-goal defeat, the team managed to fire 41 shots on the opposition goal, coming just inches away from the tying goal late on a quick catch-and-shoot from Tynan Ewart on the backdoor.

In addition to staying out of the penalty box, the other key point of emphasis for the Stars heading into Game 2 will be managing to contain the top-line of the Red Wings, consisting of ‘the M&M connection’ of Ryley Morgan and Ty Mason, centered by 6-foot-2 power forward Jackson Hassman.

Each of the three had a goal in Weyburn’s Game 1 decision, after combining for 74 goals and 159 points during the regular season, the fourth most points of any team’s top three scorers.

The only teams in the SJHL to get more production from their top three are the Battlefords (Kian Bell, Holden Doell, Jake Southgate: 284 points), Flin Flon (Cole Duperreault, Jeremi Tremblay, Zach Cain: 170 points) and Melfort (Ben Tkachuk, Dawson Leroux, Zac Somers: 162 points).

Jackson Allan of the North Stars ties up with Weyburn’s Ryley Morgan. The Stars will try to contain the Wings’ leading scorer and lean on him whenever they can as the series goes along. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Game 2 between the North Stars and Red Wings in North Battleford will be available on 1050 CJNB. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin at 7 p.m. with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. on the NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast.

In other Game 2 action around the SJHL, Flin Flon host Estevan (FF lead series 1-0); Humboldt host Nipawin (HUM lead series 1-0), and Melfort host La Ronge (LAR lead series 1-0).

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1