The first trip away from the North Battleford Civic Centre this year was a successful one for the Battlefords AAA Stars Wednesday night.
Parker Gavlas scored the winning goal in the seventh round of a shootout at the Harold Latrace Arena in Saskatoon, as the Stars improved to 2-3-0-1 in Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League play with a 4-3 win over the Saskatoon Blazers.
The Stars, who were outshot by the Blazers by a 41-24 margin, held a 3-1 lead in the third period thanks to goals by Jaden Shewchuk, Dylan Esau and Tyson Meyers.
The Blazers clawed their way back with two goals in the final frame to force overtime, but Lance Alm was strong in goal once again for the Stars as he helped to get the team to the shootout.
Shewchuk and Donovan Beatty scored in the shootout, although the Blazers were able to keep the skills competition tied until Gavlas’ heroics.
Jordan Mish paced the Stars on offence with two assists while Jake Chartier had a goal and assist each for the Blazers in the loss.
The Stars will be back on home ice this weekend as they will host the Tisdale Trojans for a pair of games on Saturday and Sunday.
Both contests will get underway at 2 p.m.
Meanwhile, Stars defenceman Luke Reid is currently representing Saskatchewan at the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup in Calgary.
He had an assist Wednesday in his team’s 4-3 loss to Alberta, as he helped to set up a first period goal by Logan Barlage.
Saskatchewan will play British Columbia on Thursday afternoon before they conclude round-robin play Friday against Manitoba.
