Kian Bell of the North Stars and Ben Tkachuk of the Mustangs are each coming off a one-goal, one-assist performance in Game 1, and will be focal points of their teams' offense again in Game 2. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Saturday Night Showdown

North Stars look to stay hot in Game 2 with Mustangs

Apr 1, 2023 | 2:00 PM

For the second time in as many nights, the Battlefords North Stars will play host to the Melfort Mustangs Saturday night in North Battleford, for Game 2 of the teams’ semi-final playoff series.

The North Stars are coming off a 5-2 win in Game 1 Friday, that saw four different players chip in with at least a single goal on the night. The team’s depth of offense carries over from their opening round series win over the Red Wings, that saw six different players score in Game 4, and Game 5’s victories.

Stars’ forward, Steven Kesslering, who led the way with a second straight two-goal performance in Game 1’s win, said heading into the series the team’s ability to get contributions throughout the lineup has been a big key to their success.

“I think it’s huge that we’ve got four different lines that can score, and we’ve got production from our defense too,” Kesslering said. “Obviously not every team has that and I think we’re pretty lucky. It doesn’t matter who’s out there, there’s a good chance they’re going to score and help the team.”

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North Stars’ head coach Brayden Klimosko said he liked what he saw from his group throughout, in Game 1, adding that they will need more of the same Saturday with a hungry Melfort team looking to respond.

“I thought it was our best 60 minutes of the post-season so far, and we are going to need to have a full 60 again, because I expect a big game from the Mustangs tonight,” Klimosko said.

In addition to Kesslering’s two-goal night to bring his total to six goals on the post-season, Holden Doell and Kian Bell also added a goal and assist each, while captain Jake Southgate picked up a pair of helpers in addition to making the play of the night on a hard backcheck just prior to the team’s 3-1 goal.

Southgate leads the playoffs with 12 points, followed by Doell’s 11, and Bell’s 10, as the three remain 1-2-3 in playoff scoring heading into Game 2. Additionally, Jordan Grill’s second of the post-season opened the scoring Friday, marking already the third goal by the Stars’ fourth line these playoffs, and Grill’s fourth point in six games.

Just as Southgate set the tone for the Battlefords, Melfort did see a big contribution from their captain as well in Game 1. Ben Tkachuk scored a goal and an assist to factor in on each of the Mustangs’ two goals, while veteran winger and assistant captain Clarke Huxley added his second of the playoffs in a two-point effort as well.

Tkachuk now leads the Mustangs with seven points in seven playoff games, while Huxley is up to five points in seven games.

Between the pipes, North Stars goalie Josh Kotai is coming off a strong 26-save effort in Game 1, allowing just a single goal against into the final three minutes of the third. Kotai is 5-1 these playoffs with a 2.01 goals against average and .933 save percentage.

Joel Favreau stopped 34/38 for the Mustangs, including a number of high-danger chances from the Stars that including bang-bang stops in front with the glove, and a breakaway save in the second. Favreau is 4-2-1 with a 2.35 goals against average and .916 save percentage this post-season.

Saturday’s Game 2 in North Battleford will be available on 1050 CJNB, with the Ultra Print Pregame Show at 7 p.m. and puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m. on the NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast.

In the other SJHL semi-finals series, the Humboldt Broncos will host the Flin Flon Bombers for Game 2 Saturday night in Humboldt. The Bombers took Game 1 by a 4-3 score, to take the series lead on Broncos’ ice.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1