Michael Gudmandson got the Battlefords North Stars off to a great start in 2014. Gudmandson made 37 saves to earn his third shutout of the season in a 4-0 win over the Broncos in Humboldt Friday night.
Taylor Reich had a goal and an assist to lead the offensive charge for Battlefords.
Martin Smith, head coach of the AAA Stars, was behind the bench for the North Stars as Kevin Hasselberg was still with Team West at the World Under 17 Championships.
It was a slow start to the first period as both teams were playing their first game after the Christmas break. There was only one shot on net registered during the first six and a half minutes of the game.
Two North Stars had chances to whack away at a puck on the doorstep, but Broncos goaltender Ryland Pashovitz was up to the challenge.
Former North Star Brandon Long had the best chance early for the Broncos. After a weird bounce off a stanchion, Long tried to jam a puck home but Gudmandson got across to make the save.
Battlefords opened the scoring after the Broncos were stuck on the ice after an icing call. Ben Greenaway snapped a puck sharp side over Pashovitz's glove after a turnover. It was Greenaway's first point since Nov. 16, which was also in Humboldt. Battlefords defenceman Dillon Forbes also set a career high for points in a season with an assist on the goal.
In the second, the North Stars continued to press, but were unable to beat Pashovitz.
During a Kendall Fransoo penalty for elbowing, the Broncos looked strong but were unable to get a puck past Gudmandson.
The North Stars extended their lead with six minutes left in the period. Battlefords defenceman Kyle Schmidt drove two Broncos' defencemen deep into the zone. Ryne Keller picked up the bouncing puck and beat Pashovitz over his glove. It was only the ninth shot of the period for Battlefords.
Gudmandson continued his strong play in the third period. Long's centring pass bounced off a skate in front of the net, but Gudmandson was able to stay in front of it and keep the puck out of the net.
Later in the period, Forbes' point shot was stopped, but Pashovitz gave up a rebound. Greenaway, Jack Petrino and Nick Fountain all had opportunities to whack away at the puck, but no one could knock it in.
Battlefords scored again with 3:29 left to play in the period. Fountain separated Broncos forward Jarrett Fontaine from the puck. Petrino picked up the puck. His shot hit the post then bounced in off Pashovitz to give the North Stars a 3-0 lead.
The North Stars sealed it 27 seconds later. Battlefords forward Taylor Reich pushed the puck over the goal line after Pashovitz made a save and could not locate the rebound.
It was the first time in his 15 games played Pashovitz allowed four goals in a game. He made 26 saves in a losing effort for the Broncos.
