The Battlefords North Stars shouldn't be left shaking their heads when thinking about the effort and game they played Tuesday night at the Civic Centre. Ddespite the strong game from the team, they fell 3-1 to the Humboldt Broncos.
The Broncos' hottest player as of late, Joey Davies, scored twice, which was the difference. Davies scored from Cody Pongracz and Neil Landry in the first period on a power play.
The trio hooked up again with less than four minutes to play in the third period, when Davies picked up a rebound and put in past a helpless Connor Creech.
The North Stars created some good scoring chances, but their lone goal came from a Matt Sheeran shot for his second of the season. The second period goal was assisted by rookies Luke McColgan and Blake Young.
The Broncos added a empty net goal and despite being without their head coach Dean Brockman, who is away coaching Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge, and the team suffering through injuries they continue to find ways to win. The Broncos improved to 12-5-1-0 and pulled within one point of top spot in the Bauer Conference.
The Broncos' goalie, Matt Hrynkiw, played well Tuesday, especially in the second period, which was the North Stars best period. He stopped 28 shots for his ninth win of the season.
The North Stars had a chance to pull to .500 on the season, but with the loss dropped to 7-9-0-0.
The North Stars outshot the Broncos 29-27 and continue to produce shots, as they have the third highest average and surrender the lowest average shots per game. The North Stars have been outshot just once this season.
The North Stars now prepare for three straight games on the road beginning Friday in Flin Flon, Saturday in La Ronge and Wednesday they travel to Melfort. The North Stars will be back on home ice Nov. 16 against Notre Dame.
As for the health of the team, Casey Parker was again not dressed due to illness and Dillon Forbes and Cody Bird were held out of the lineup Tuesday, as the North Stars went with five defenceman and 13 forwards dressed in the game.
