'Don't stop believing.' The Journey song must be stuck on repeat in the Battlefords North Stars' dressing room. The North Stars have won four games when facing elimination in the playoffs and forced a game five against the Broncos.
Wednesday at the Civic Centre, the Battlefords North Stars had their backs against the wall and were facing a series sweep at the hands of the Humboldt Broncos in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League's Bauer Conference final.
It was the smallest crowd at the Civic Centre during the playoffs with 1,800 fans, but perhaps the best effort and most North Stars' style game all series.
The North Stars' leaders and top players were the go-to-guys on the score sheet, but a much more complete team effort was the ultimate reason for the win.
In the first period, Blake Tatchell threw a check in his defensive zone and moved the puck to Brett Miller. Miller made a pass in the neutral zone to a speedy Jordan Ethier. He made a move around a defenceman and deked to his backhand to give the North Stars the lead.
Later, after a miscue in their own end in the first period, the North Stars saw their lead evaporate, as Robbie Ciolfi capitalized with his 12th goal of the playoffs.
The first period ended 1-1, as Graham Hildebrand was back in net for the North Stars making his first start since game four of the Nipawin series.
In the second period, the North Stars started with a lively effort. At one point they outshot the Broncos by a 12-3 margin in the period, but were unable to score on Colin Dzijacky.
The North Stars got in some penalty trouble in the later half of the period, as they had to kill off three penalties in a five-minute span.
The Broncos evened out the shots, but the North Stars' penalty killers prevailed and kept the game tied.
"It could have been very easy for us to get frustrated in that situation, but the players know what it is going to take," said coach Kevin Hasselberg after the game.
The North Stars 'stayed the course,' as their coach would say, in the third period and were finally given an opportunity to break the tie.
While the North Stars were shorthanded in the third period, Tatchell and Kyle Hall broke out on an offensive rush. Hall was hooked up meaning the North Stars would shortly be on the power play. With the extra man advantage, Hall was tripped in the offensive zone and the North Stars went on a five-on-three power play.
The North Stars had scored just once on the power play in the previous 13 chances in the series, but this time they prevailed. Woody Klassen gained the zone and dropped a pass to Tatchell just over the blue-line. Tatchell had his head up and some open space. He skated in and blasted a shot by Dzijacky.
Tatchell's fourth of the playoffs held up to be the game-winning goal.
In the final minutes, with the goalie pulled, the Broncos pressed for the tie. Miller blocked a point shot, then Klassen took one in the mid-section and eventually Miller was able to swipe the puck out of the zone and into the open net to seal the 3-1 win. Brody Luhning and Hildebrand were credited with the assists on Miller's third of the playoffs.
"It is all about the mindset and tonight the mindset was that we want to play a game five, and obviously they believe," said Hasselberg. "What can I say? I'm very proud, very proud that this team didn't roll over and die . . . The common teams out there maybe would do that. This team just finds ways to be uncommon."
The North Stars still have a huge mountain to climb, but they are 4-0 when facing elimination in the playoffs and lived to fight another day.
"I was pretty nervous, but I am 20 years old. I need to be one of those guys that other guys look towards as a leader and you have to convey confidence," said Hildebrand, who was glad to get back in net for the start. "When we were down 3-1 coach had to do it. I couldn't fault him for that or be mad because we needed to switch it up. He (Connor Creech) kept playing well and he kept playing well into this series. I'm glad I got my chance tonight and a chance to get the win. I just hope we can keep it going here."
The North Stars are in this situation after losing game three Tuesday in Humboldt in another game they would like to forget. Judging by their effort Wednesday they have put the game three, 7-1 loss, behind them.
Some failed opportunities for the North Stars in the first period and Humboldt scoring twice off the rush with goals by Andrew Johnston and Andrew Herle quickly led to the game snowballing out of control for the Battlefords. The North Stars ran into some penalty troubles in the second period and were down five-on-three for five minutes. Humboldt scored three times in that span, and as it was 6-0 heading into the third period. Ciolfi scored twice while Ryan Marshal and Josh Roach scored once in the second frame for Humboldt.
The teams traded goals in the third period. Roger Tagoona scored from Luhning and Braeden Johnson for his second of the playoffs. Marshall scored again for Humboldt on the power play.
The final score was 7-1 and Creech was in net for the North Stars facing 45 shots. Matt Hrynkiw made 26 saves for the win in net for Humboldt.
Game three also featured some rough stuff with 130 minutes handed out and five game misconducts issued. Klay Kachur earned two of those game misconducts after a checking from behind penalty and a fight that led to a two-game suspension.
Kachur missed game four, as Matt Sheeran drew back into the lineup. Kachur will be out of the lineup again Friday. Hildebrand mentioned Kachur as an inspiration and a reason to keep fighting so he can get back into the lineup. Fortunately the North Stars could see Tim Rollins return to the lineup as early as Friday. He has had his nose readjusted and missed two games because of it.
