Those who could navigate the snowy streets of North Battleford to get to the Civic Centre Wednesday night were treated to an exciting hockey game, as the Battlefords North Stars hosted the Yorkton Terriers.
It was an even first period, with Connor Creech making some good saves for the North Stars.
The North Stars led 1-0 after 20 minutes, as Brandon Long scored his fourth goal of the season. Long jumped on a loose puck that bounced off the end boards and beat Yorkton's goalie, Dawson MacAuley. Braeden Johnson and Brody Luhning were credited with the assists.
The second period was all Yorkton, as they scored two power play goals, those coming from Kailum Gervais and Derek Falloon on redirected point shots. Tyler Giebel also scored for the Terriers with eight seconds left in the second period to increase the Yorkton lead to 3-1 heading into the third period.
Also in the second period, North Stars' captain Robbie Newton dropped the gloves with Yorkton's Patrick Martens.
That wasn't the end of the rough stuff and, in fact, it may have been a fight by Tanner Quinn that sparked the comeback for the North Stars.
After line mate Ryne Keller was hit behind the net, Quinn stuck up for his teammate and fought Austin Bourhis.
Just 11 seconds after the fighting penalties, Braeden Johnson scored his third goal of the season from Kyle Hall and Luke McColgan.
Less than a minute later, the North Stars pulled to within a goal when their hottest player, Josh Betinol scored his team leading fifth goal. Cody Bird and Jake McMillen drew assists on the goal.
Capping off the comeback was defenceman Matt Sheeran. Sheeran scored his first goal of the season and first goal of his North Stars' career, which spans two seasons and 26 games. Sheeran's memorable goal was assisted by Nick Fountain and Long.
The North Stars sealed the win with some stellar defensive play and puck control late in the third period. They hemmed Yorkton in their own end and didn't allow them to pull the goalie for the extra attacker.
At the end of the game, the Terriers' frustration may have shown a bit, as Chase Norrish got in a fight after the whistle. North Stars' defenceman Dillon Forbes showed some good restraint as he earned only four minutes for roughing instead of a fighting major.
Creech made 23 saves for his fourth win of the season. MacAuley faced 30 shots in the Terriers' net.
Yorkton was 2/9 on the power play while the North Stars were 0/8.
The North Stars now look to take the momentum of their last two wins on home ice on a weekend road trip. The North Stars play three games in four nights including Friday in Estevan, Sunday in Weyburn and Monday in Wilcox against Notre Dame.
The North Stars will also be doing some team bounding Saturday, as they plan to head south of the border and watch former North Star Blake Tatchell's Alaska Anchorage Seawolves face North Dakota in Grand Forks, N.D.
The North Stars will be back on home ice Nov. 2 against La Ronge.
