Despite losing twice to the Lloydminster Bobcats this past weekend, Kevin Hasselberg and the Battlefords North Stars appear to be on track as far as being ready to start the SJHL season.
Friday in Lloydminster, Hasselberg didn't dress one player eligible to return from last year's lineup, but he saw his team of rookies and older players looking for a new team grab a lead against the Bobcats. That lead evaporated, as Lloydminster refused to go away quietly. In a rough and tough game, they battled to beat the North Stars 6-4.
The next night, all the returning North Stars, with the exception of defenceman Woody Klassen, were in the lineup.
The first period didn't feature many highlights for the North Stars, as they didn't generate many offensive chances and lost one of their top offensive players, Braeden Johnson, who dropped the gloves to fight in the first period.
After 20 minutes the North Stars were out shot 17-8 and were down 3-0 on the scoreboard.
The second wasn't much better for the North Stars, as Graham Hildebrand gave up the Bobcats' fourth goal on a shot he'd likely want back. After facing 19 shots in just over 31 minutes, Hildebrand was replaced by Blair Mahon, who gave up a powerplay goal later in the second period.
The Bobcats took a 5-0 lead into the third.
Blake Tatchell started the North Stars' offence four minutes into the third period, as he deflected a pass from Tanner Schwab into the Bobcats' net.
Tim Rollins also drew an assist on the goal.
Later, Kyle Hall scored a beautiful goal after making a nice move at the blue-line and firing a shot into the net off the rush. Connor Allison had the assist.
The Stars scored once more in the third period, as Brett Miller kept the puck in at the line and moved it to Tatchell. Tatchell hit Schwab alone in front and the local connection scored the North Stars' third goal.
The game ended 6-3 for the Bobcats, as they outshot the North Stars 34-24.
Despite the results, Hasselberg was pleased with parts of both games on the weekend and feels there is no reason to panic, as the roster starts to take shape.
"I thought both games were very good," said Hasselberg. "From a teaching perspective, we certainly saw the work ethic and determination by the players. In the first game, it is easier on the players. They are coming into a situation where they have nothing to lose and they can just go out there and play with energy. The second game, it was a feeling out process as much as it is for the opposition. It is that way for the players and new coach."
A short training camp and weekend games made for a quick adjustment period for the North Stars. As the game went on, however, they appeared to provide more of that offensive flare fans expect from some of the veteran players.
"I certainly think there were nerves involved, but the response we had in the third period was a good indicator of their character," said Hasselberg, adding he is "optimistic and excited about moving forward with this group."
The North Stars continue to practice this week, as they continue to make additions and subtractions to the roster. Returning forwards Robbie Newton and Bryden Serafini joined the team this week after being released from WHL teams.
Hasselberg expects the filter effect to continue and he hopes to be close to his 25-man roster by the end of the weekend. The regular season begins Sept. 16, with the kickoff breakfast scheduled for Sept. 15.
"We have to be cautious of not carrying too many players at this stage of the game," said Hasselberg, who will lead the North Stars into three exhibition games in three days - Friday against Dauphin, Saturday against Dauphin and Sunday against La Ronge.
