The Battlefords North Stars continue to have a hard time against the Kindersley Klippers.
The North Stars lost 3-1 in Kindersley Tuesday night, dropping five of their last six games against the Klippers.
It was an even start to the game, with both teams trading chances. North Stars goaltender Michael Gudmandson was able to scramble to cover a loose puck in the crease before a Klippers player found it.
Later, on a North Stars power play, Battlefords forward Nick Fountain had the best chance of the period. Early in the power play, Fountain hit the cross bar. Although he tried to sell the goal with a celebration, the referees were not fooled.
Battlefords forward Ben Greenaway was sent to the penalty box with 11 seconds left in the first period.
The Klippers would capitalize on the ensuing power play in the second period. Conner Veroba's shot appeared to be deflected in front by North Stars defenceman Dillon Forbes and the puck found its way through a space between Gudmandson's arm and body.
Stefan Seel had a chance to extend the lead for the Klippers. He was left all alone in the slot, but was unable to get his shot on target.
Gudmandson kept the North Stars in the game, as he stopped the Klippers on multiple shots in close as they tried to jam the puck in the net.
The third period started with Kindersley applying pressure in the North Stars' end, trying to find the next goal to extend the lead.
It would be the North Stars who would score next. Luke McColgan collected his own rebound off of Klippers goaltender Tyrell King's stick and buried the second chance opportunity to tie the game 6:34 into the period.
The Klippers broke the tie 23 seconds later. Brandon Lauder cut around the North Stars' defense and beat Gudmandson to give Kindersley a 2-1 lead.
The North Stars' best chance to tie came shortly after. Austin Evans was unable to get his stick on a loose puck by the Kindersley net as Klippers forward Marc Dubeau knocked the puck away at the last second.
Gudmandson was pulled for the extra attacker with 1:40 left in the game, but the North Stars were unable to generate many chances. The Klippers were able to score on the empty net on defenceman Austin Yano's clearing attempt.
King stopped 28 of 29 shots en route to his 14th win of the season for Kindersely. Gudmandson made 30 saves and lost his second game as a member of the North Stars.
Battlefords (17-16-0-2) fell to eight points behind Kindersley (20-10-3-1) in the Kramer Division standings.
