Jake McMillen had two goals and an assist to pace the Battlefords North Stars to a 5-3 win over the Ice Wolves in La Ronge Wednesday night. The goals were McMillen's 10th and 11th of the season.
Kevin Hasselberg was back behind the bench for the Battlefords for the first time since returning from the World Under 17 Championships.
McMillen scored twice in the opening period. His first goal came with 5:50 left to play in the first. His second goal was a minute later to put the North Stars up 2-0 heading into the intermission.
Battlefords forward Nick Fountain beat Ice Wolves goaltender Tyler Fuhr 2:12 into the second period to put the North Stars up 3-0. It was Fountain's eighth goal of the season. Kent Walchuck scored his first goal of the season for the Ice Wolves to cut into the North Stars' lead with seven minutes to play in the second.
In the third, Austin Evans put the North Stars up three again 2:39 into the period. Owen LaClare scored 34 seconds later on the power play for La Ronge to make the score 4-2. North Stars forward Taylor Reich sealed the game with his fifth goal of the year with about five minutes to play. Tyson Valette added a late goal for the Ice Wolves to make the final 5-3.
Michael Gudmandson, reigning SJHL goaltender of the week, made 35 saves to pick up his 10th win of the season. He sits second in the league this season in goals against average (1.74) and save percentage (.953). Fuhr was tagged with his 13th loss of the season, stopping 30 shots for the La Ronge.
