A potent power-play propelled the Battlefords North Stars back into the win column Sunday in Saskatoon.
Less than 24 hours after losing their first game of the season to the Estevan Bruins at the Civic Centre, the North Stars scored four times on the man advantage as they picked up a 5-2 victory over the Melville Millionaires at the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Showcase event at the Hamm Latrace Arena.
“It’s definitely fair to say that the guys brought a much better effort than they did a night ago,” North Stars head coach and general manager Brandon Heck said.
“Our power play was obviously way better than it was Saturday and we had a really strong forecheck, which allowed us to create a lot of turnovers.”
The North Stars top line was clicking all game long, as captain Layne Young scored a goal and dished out three assists to move into the SJHL scoring lead with 11 points in four games.
MacGregor Sinclair finished up the game with a goal and two assists, while Dakota Huebner found the back of the net twice in the first period and helped to set up Sinclair’s goal.
“Both of Dakota’s goals were goal scorer’s goals and it was a nice continuation of the strong effort he put in on Saturday,” Heck said. “He’s a nice complement to Young and Sinclair right now.”
Matthias Urbanski rounded the scoring as he slotted home his first SJHL goal on the power play.
Sunday’s game also saw Kolby Matthews make his debut in between the pipes for the North Stars, as he made 22 saves to earn his first career Junior A victory.
“I thought he played really well,” Heck said. “I think there’s one goal that he would like back but he made a lot big saves.
“He went a long time without facing many shots and then he was faced with a number of legit scoring opportunities. He made key saves when we needed him too and it was a great debut for him.”
Taylor Elmy led the way for the Millionaires with a goal and an assist in the loss.
Cory Schillo also found the back of the net and goaltender Colby Entz made 29 saves.
There’s no rest for the North Stars as they’ll return to Saskatoon Monday at 10 a.m. for a rematch with the Bruins.
Sunday SJHL Recap
The league’s annual Showcase, which had been held in Warman for the last four years, got underway Sunday afternoon with the Nipawin Hawks defeating the Humboldt Broncos by a score of 5-2.
Jordan Simoneau led the way for the Hawks with a two-goal performance, while teammates Zach Cox, Logan Casavant and Michael Grant also scored.
Logan Hunter and Logan Boulet replied for the Broncos.
In the other game held on Sunday, the Weyburn Red Wings came back from a two-goal deficit in the first period to beat the Flin Flon Bombers 3-2 in a shootout.
Jeremy Velazquez and Cade Kowalski both scored in regulation to help the Red Wings tie the game, while Cole Woodliffe and Landon Walters found the back of the net in the shootout to complete the comeback.
Ben Lanfermann and Caleb Moretz had the Bombers goals.
The Bombers also made a trade prior to the Showcase as they dealt forward Tyler Millar to the Millionaires for future considerations.
Millar, a 20-year-old from Vermillion, Alta., had seven assists for the Bombers in 51 games last season.
Monday SJHL Schedule (All games in Saskatoon)
- Estevan vs. Battlefords – 10 a.m.
- Weyburn vs. Kindersley – 1:15 p.m.
- Melville vs. La Ronge – 4:30 p.m.
- Notre Dame vs. Flin Flon – 7:35 p.m.
Standings
Olympic Buildings Division
1. Battlefords North Stars – 7 points (3-0-1)
2. Humboldt Broncos – 6 points (3-2)
3. Notre Dame Hounds – 6 points (2-0-1-1)
4. Kindersley Klippers – 3 points (1-2-1)
Sherwood Division
1. Melfort Mustangs – 8 points (4-0)
2. Nipawin Hawks – 5 points (2-1-1)
3. Flin Flon Bombers – 5 points (2-1-0-1)
4. La Ronge Ice Wolves – 0 points (0-3)
Viterra Division
1. Estevan Bruins – 6 points (3-1)
2. Weyburn Red Wings – 5 points (2-1-1)
3. Yorkton Terriers – 3 points (1-2-1)
4. Melville Millionaires – 2 points (1-3)
Scoring Race
1. Layne Young (Battleford) – 11 points (4 goals and 7 assists)
2. Zach Goberis (Estevan) – 10 points (3 goals and 7 assists)
3. Colby Brandt (Notre Dame) – 8 points (2 goals and 6 assists)
4. Michael McChesney (Estevan) – 7 points (4 goals and 3 assists)
5. Brett Harasymuk (Nipawin) – 7 points (1 goal and 6 assists)
Goals Against Average Leaders
1. Maxim Sidelnik (Estevan) – 1.00 (1-0-0)
2. Jack Ryan (Notre Dame) – 1.00 (1-0-0)
3. Taryn Kotchorek (Battlefords) – 1.31 (2-0-1)
4. Arik Weersink (Weyburn) – 1.61 (2-1-0)
5. Jacob Standen (Notre Dame) – 1.92 (1-0-1-1)
