Following Friday’s season opening win over the Kindersley Klippers, Battlefords North Stars general manager and head coach Nate Bedford wanted to see his team lower the amount of scoring chances they were giving up.
They did just that in Kindersley Saturday night as the North Stars limited their archrivals to just 24 shots as they improved 2-0 in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League play with a 5-2 victory at the West Central Event Centre.
“Our goal was to limit them to 24 shots or under and we did exactly that,” Bedford said. “We did take a few too many penalties but the guys were willing to get in front of shots and get into their shooting lanes.
“We were more physical tonight and Connor Manegre played a huge part in that. He was excellent tonight and he really got a spark going for us.”
Offensively, Jeremy Velazquez has a strong showing in his SJHL debut as he scored a pair of goals.
“He was really hungry around the net,” Bedford said. “He created a few more opportunities than he was given credit for on the score sheet.
“He has a knack for finding the net and he did that on both goals he scored on. He didn’t show any nerves in his first game and I was really proud of him.”
Owen Lamb, Keaton Holinaty and Reed Delainey had the other goals for the North Stars while Logan Nachtgaele had a pair of assists.
Taryn Kotchorek made 22 saves to earn the win.
Carson Pickett and Brendan Wagoner found the back of the net for the Klippers (0-2) while Justen Close made 29 saves in the loss.
The North Stars will continue their three game road swing on Tuesday night when they pay a visit to the Yorkton Terriers.
After a trip to Melville to face the Millionaires Wednesday, they will return to the Civic Centre for a date with the Estevan Bruins Saturday night.
Saturday’s SJHL Recap
In the season debut for both teams, the Humboldt Broncos kicked off their campaign on a winning note at home with a 5-2 triumph over the Notre Dame Hounds.
Broncos captain Logan Schatz potted a pair of goals to lead the way with Luke Kempf, Nikolas Malenica and Michael Korol also scoring.
Colby Brandt and Tyler Podgorenko found the back of the net for the Hounds in the loss.
Brendan Newton stopped all 15 shots he faced for his third career SJHL shutout as the Flin Flon Bombers (2-0) picked up a 2-0 win on the road over the Nipawin Hawks (0-1-1).
Joseph Leonidas and Kristian St. Onge lit the lamp for the Bombers, who limited the Hawks to just two shots in the third period.
In Melfort, former Battleford Midget AAA stars forward Keelan Saworski scored his first two career SJHL goals at the Mustangs (2-0) defeated the La Ronge Ice Wolves by a score of 5-2.
Kalem Zary and Eric Sinclair both had a goal and an assist for the Mustangs with the other goal coming from Ethan Rheaume.
Trey Doell and Josh Hayward scored for the Ice Wolves in the loss.
After giving up a first period goal to Carson Welke, the Weyburn Red Wings (2-0) scored four unanswered goals as they picked up a 4-1 victory in their home opener over the Yorkton Terriers (0-1-1).
Carson Rose led the way with a goal and two assists while Jeremy Lagler dished out three helpers. Ian Parker, Braden Mellon and Cole Woodliffe also scored for the Red Wings.
Finally in Estevan, the Bruins (2-0) withstood a comeback bid from the Melville Millionaires (0-2) on their way to a 5-2 triumph.
Kaelan Holt potted a pair of goals in the victory, including the game-winning marker midway through the final frame.
Tyler Hengen and Matt McNeil had the other goals for the Bruins. Taylor Kreutzer and Tyler Kreklewich both scored for the visitors.
Sunday’s SJHL Schedule
- Humboldt vs. Notre Dame – 6 p.m.
