North Stars' forward Riley Girod scored his eighth of the year Friday, and enters play with 10 points (five goals, five assists) over his last eight games. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

In search of weekend sweep

North Stars go for 10th straight in night two in La Ronge

Nov 18, 2023 | 2:20 PM

Coming off a thrilling 5-4 overtime win to open the weekend Friday, the Battlefords North Stars return to play Saturday night in La Ronge, for night two of their weekend series with the Ice Wolves.

The North Stars enter play first in the Nutrien Division and second overall in the league standings with a 15-6-0-1 record. Having played their best hockey of late, the North Stars have won nine straight heading into play, looking to extend their winning streak to double digits.

La Ronge are fourth in the Sherwood Division and 11^th overall in the league standings with a 5-14-2-1 record, and will be looking to snap a six-game skid and avenge their OT loss to the Battlefords, in the rematch on home ice.

The North Stars are expected to receive a huge boost up front Saturday, as superstar forward and defending League MVP, Kian Bell is expected to return to the lineup after being a late scratch Friday due to flu-like symptoms. Bell is eighth in league scoring with 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in just nine games played.

Defenceman, Tanner Gold is also among the players to watch Saturday, entering play on a four-game point streak, after scoring the OT winner Friday. With seven points in his last four games (three goals, four assists), Gold enters play Saturday tied for second in blue line scoring in the SJHL with 21 points in 19 games.

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La Ronge counter with an offense led by the defense as well. Ice Wolves captain, Liam McInnis is coming off a three-point game (one goal, two assists) Friday, while Parker Layton also scored for the team in the weekend opener and remains the hottest Ice Wolves’ player of late with four points (three goals, one assist) over his last four.

In goal, the North Stars will call on Justen Maric to make his second straight start of the weekend, coming off an 18-save performance for the win a night ago. Maric is 9-2-0-1 through 12 games with a 2.38 goals against average and .924 save percentage this season.

La Ronge are likely to go back to Topher Chirico at the other end as well, coming off a 44-save effort to keep his team in the game throughout the night. In 16 games, Chirico is 3-12-0-1 with a 4.72 goals against average and .887 save percentage.

Saturday’s NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Broadcast 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.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1

by Martin Martinson

North Stars go for 10th straight in night two in La Ronge

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