By Martin Martinson

Sharks welcome Saskatoon Stars for televised showdown

Jan 10, 2019 | 1:00 PM

The Battlefords Sharks head into action tonight for their first televised game of the year, as the team welcomes the first-place Saskatoon Stars to Battleford Arena.

Entering action Thursday, the Sharks sit fourth in the SFMAAAHL standings, having won six games in regulation and another four in overtime, for a total record of 10-10-2. The team is looking to snap a four-game losing skid and bounce back from the squad’s most recent defeat, a 10-1 loss to Swift Current.

Saskatoon meanwhile, has won all 18 of their games played, with just one of those wins coming outside of regulation time.

Thursday’s matchup between the two sides will feature six of the top seven scorers in the league, and 10 of the top 15 goal scorers.

Grace Shirley leads the SFMAAAHL in both goals (19) and points (34) and is the prime offensive catalyst for Saskatoon. Nine of Shirley’s 19 goals have come with the man advantage of a power play.

Rustlers Volleyball

Crusaders' Bell excited for next chapter with Lakeland College

18h ago

Nothing but Net

Vikings' standouts ready for national stage with Team Saskatchewan

21h ago

Missing person

Spiritwood RCMP searching for missing woman

Apr 24, 2024

Ali Aitken sets the pace offensively for the homeside, with 26 points in 22 games. That’s good for fourth in the league scoring race, as the Sharks’ captain also ranks second in special teams’ production with five of her team-leading 10 goals tallied on the power play.

With the offensive firepower cataloged on each side, it will be up to the goaltenders to keep the opposition at bay, and hold the fort between the pipes for their respective teams.

Stars’ goalie Arden Kliewer boasts a perfect 10-0 record on the year, with a league-leading .925sv% over the stretch. At the other end, Sharks’ rookie netminder Yelena Zaleschuk, who is from Saskatoon, will get the nod for the teal and white, as the 14-year-old has shown solid play through her first eight appearances this season.

Fans can catch all the action on tonight’s game at Battleford Arena and on MAX TV with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. 

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1