Your North Stars travelled to Pinehouse to play in front of a raucous crowd for their first meeting of the campaign against the Ice Wolves.
La Ronge have made their mark on the season with incredible winning streaks throughout 2015, at one point, not losing in regulation for 14 games, dating back to October 21st.
After coming off an incredible performance from the top ranked offence in the league, the Battlefords showed why they are sitting atop the standings. Not only can their offence show up to work on any given night, but so can their back-half. Taryn Kotchorek and company came together for back-to-back shutout nights, walking away with a 1-0 victory.
Fresh off a four-point, hat trick night, Igor Leonenko drew the second of two penalties in the opening frame, leading to numerous quality chances for the North Stars. Kris Joyce of La Ronge stopped a quality two-on-one chance from Layne Young and Leonenko, keeping the game scoreless.
The best offence clashed with the top three defence in the league, but something had to give at some point.
In the second, the North Stars drew first blood. Leonenko continued his dominance of the SJHL with his fourth goal and fifth point in the last two games, taking a cross-ice pass from Jake McMillen while being tied up, slipping it between the pads of Joyce. The tally was his 25th of the season.
From there, both goaltenders stole the show.
Kotchorek kept the Ice Wolves at bay the rest of the game, making big pad saves, highlighted by a shorthanded breakaway stop on Joel Blaquiere.
“He’s riding a real nice wave right now and the wave won’t end. It’s pretty special. He understands what he needs to do in order for this team to be successful.” Head coach Kevin Hasselberg complimented his goaltender after the game.
Joyce kept working in the third against a powerful North Stars power play, flashing his left pad on a snapshot from Dustin Gorgi, not letting the tilt slip out of reach for La Ronge. He has played a massive part in the number one penalty kill unit in Saskatchewan, stopping over 1000 shots on the season.
The game was chippy throughout the 60 minutes, you would think that this was an interdivision bout against a longtime rival. The final minute of the period had Baxter Kanter drop the gloves among others stepping in to let their fists do the talking.
“It didn’t take long to get heated up, first shift of the first period there were some highlight reel hits, space was limited in a smaller rink and our guys went to war.” Hasselberg said.
The North Stars will have to bring this heat to their next game against Melfort on Wednesday, who are strong on home ice. The Battlefords are 2-0 against the Mustangs, outscoring them 12-8 so far this season.
News-Optimist THREE STARS
-
Taryn Kotchorek (SO)
-
Igor Leonenko (GWG)
-
Jake McMillen (A)
