The Battlefords North Stars put themselves in a position to finish with the best record in the franchise's history in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
The North Stars improved to 40-15-0-2 after winning Sunday in Kindersley. The only other time the franchise had 40 or more wins was in the 1995-96 season (44-17-3). The North Stars finished with 91 points that season, playing 64 games. With a modified schedule, teams now play just 58 games. Tuesday, was game 58 for the North Stars and a win would tie them for the highest single-season point total in the franchise's 38 years of existence. The North Stars lost in the division final in the 1995-96 season.
Sunday, the North Stars skated to a 6-2 win while outshooting the Kindersley Klippers 40-24.
In the first period, Roger Tagoona scored his eighth goal of the season from Tanner Schwab. Brett Miller scored with less than two minutes left in the first period to increase the lead, as Blake Tatchell and Jordan Ethier had the assists.
In the second, Austin McDonald scored his 13th of the season to pull Kindersley to within a goal midway through the period. The North Stars responded a minute later when Miller scored his 15th of the season from Tatchell and Ethier. Later in the second period, Ethier got in on the scoring adding his 16th of the season from Tatchell and Miller.
After leading 4-1 heading into the third period, the North Stars increased their lead when Braeden Johnson scored his 20th of the season unassisted. Ten seconds later, Alex Laird scored his seventh of the season for Kindersley.
Ethier netted his second of the game from Woody Klassen on a power play to finish the scoring Sunday.
Connor Creech earned the 22-save win for his 16th victory of the season. Brandon Stone was in net for the Klippers, suffering the loss.
On the weekend, the North Stars were fairly healthy roster wise, as Boyd Wakelin was back in the lineup for the first time since Jan. 17 when he was sidelined with an injury.
Travis Sparrow and Jared Samborski were out of the lineup Sunday, as the team now prepares for playoffs.
The North Stars will have nearly a week break while the survivor series are being played between La Ronge and Flin Flon and Estevan and Yorkton.
The North Stars will face Nipawin, who finished in third place in the Bauer Conference and had a 34-19-4-0 record heading into the final day of the regular season.
