The North Stars play the Kindersley Klippers again tonight at the West Central Events Centre at 6:00 p.m. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

By Austin Mattes

Looking to bounce back

North Stars fall just short in home opener

Sep 21, 2024 | 9:23 AM

The Battlefords North Stars kicked off the 2024/25 regular season last night with their home opener against the Kindersley Klippers at the Access Communications Centre.

Unfortunately, the game didn’t quite go their way, as after a very close contest they ended up falling to the Klippers 3-2.

The game started off slow from both teams with neither of them able to get a goal in the first ten minutes of the game. Then shortly after the half way mark of the first period, it was Klippers Zakery Anderson who notched the first goal of the game.

As the period continued on the North Stars had some great rushes and scoring opportunities but just couldn’t seem to finish around the net. Then the Klippers were able to take a 2-0 lead with just under three minutes left in the first period with an unassisted goal from Braden Cunningham.

Just when things seemed to be going all the Klippers way, the North Stars answered back with two goals within 40 seconds of each other to tie the game and end the period.

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The first goal was a cross crease pass from Colton Getzlaff to Braden Nienaber during a two on one opportunity that resulted in an easy goal for Nienaber. The second goal was initiated from a high slot shot by Jackson Allan, that bounced off the shoulder of Kinderlsey netminder, Brett O’Halloran, that flew into the air and was then batted in by Elijah Anderson.

In the second, there was very little offence from either side and as the period went on, both teams started to amp up the physicality and things got a little chippy. This resulted in 12 penalties between the two teams in the period.

The North Stars had some power play scoring chances but didn’t have any luck. Then with just 15 seconds left in the period, Alex Mack of the Klippers, made a big defensive play moments after coming out of the box that resulted in a breakaway goal for himself. This gave the Klippers a 3-2 lead to finish off the second period.

The North Stars tried everything to find the back of the net and tie up the game in the third. They even had a six on four opportunity that took them right to the buzzer, but still they couldn’t find a goal and the Klippers end up taking the 3-2 win.

Even with the night not going the North Stars way, they still showed lots of potential with their young talented team and are looking to bounce back tonight.

The North Stars go to Kindersley tonight to take on the Klippers again, this time at the West Central Events Centre. You can listen to the game on CJNB/CJNS with voice of the North Stars Austin Mattes bringing you the call of all the action. Pre game show starts at 5:30 p.m. and puck drop is at 6:00 p.m.

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Austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter/X: @AustinMattes