The Battlefords North Stars will begin their defence of the Kramer Division title in less than three months.
At their annual general meeting Tuesday night, the North Stars released the dates of their first regular season games. They will begin the season with a home-and-home series against the rival Kindersley Klippers starting Friday, Sept. 19 at the Civic Centre. The North Stars travel to Kindersley the next night for the completion of the home-and-home.
It was also announced the SJHL will continue with the current playoff format after last year's test run. This structure saw 10 of the 12 teams in the league make the playoffs. The seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th place teams played in a best-of-five survivor series, sending the winners to play the top-two teams in the league.
The North Stars used this format to their benefit last season by winning their division and finishing second in the SJHL. With two weeks off between the end of the regular season and the start of their playoff campaign, the North Stars met the tired Estevan Bruins, who were coming off a five-game series with the Flin Flon Bombers.
Also from the annual general meeting, the North Stars are attempting to fill two open positions on their board of directors. If interested, contact the North Stars' office at 306-445-7827 or Debbie Prescesky at 306-445-7044.
