So what has been the key to the Battlefords North Stars’ success in their three meetings with the Melfort Mustangs this year?
According to North Stars captain Kendall Fransoo, it has all come down to execution.
“Going into all of the games so far we’ve been focussing on trying to limit their odd-man rushes, block shots and create turnovers at the blue line,” Fransoo said.
“Those are the three biggest things that we have been focussing on and it’s made us successful. We still have a long way to go, though, to work on some of those things and get better at them.”
The North Stars improved to 6-3-0 on the season Tuesday night as they picked up their second straight win over the Mustangs by a score of 3-1 at the North Battleford Civic Centre.
Although the Mustangs were able to improve on their slim seven shot output in their loss to the North Stars on Saturday night with a 27-shot performance on the road, the North Stars applied pressure all night long and ended up with 45 shots on goaltender Hunter Arps.
“Getting pucks on net is something that was really important tonight along with getting good goaltending,” North Stars head coach and general manager Nate Bedford said. “Those two things were the keys to our win tonight.”
Joel Grzybowski continued his strong start to his rookie campaign in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, as he improved to 3-0 and now has a goals against average of 0.67 after making 26 saves.
“I think the biggest thing with Joel is that he’s just getting comfortable out there,” Bedford said.
“From a goalie’s standpoint, they can be really great once they get accustomed to their surroundings. He’s already a confident kid, but he’s finding that confidence even more here in this league.”
Fransoo led the way on offence as the North Stars captain scored his first goal of the season and also assisted on markers from Connor Logan and Logan Nachtegaele.
“That all came from working hard,” Fransoo said.
“The biggest key for me to have a game where I’m generating on offence is by having a strong work ethic.”
Wyatt Hinson had the lone goal of the game for the Mustangs (3-6-0-0), who are currently mired in a six-game losing streak after starting the season with three straight wins.
“We’re struggling right now offensively,” Mustangs head coach and general manager Trevor Blevins said. “We’re squeezing our sticks a lot at the moment and wanting it really bad.
“In saying that, though, we can’t worry too much about the results. If we keep with the process and focus on doing things right, we will be rewarded for that.”
The North Stars will be heading out on the road this weekend for a pair of games against the Flin Flon Bombers on Friday and Saturday.
It will mark the first time the two sides have squared off since last year’s SJHL semifinal, which saw the Bombers upset the North Stars in five games.
“We’re all pretty fired up about heading back there,” Fransoo said. “That loss last year is all in the back of our minds for the veteran players and it’s going to be nice to play them again.”
That marks the start of a five-game road swing for the North Stars. They will travel to Wilcox to play the Notre Dame Hounds on Oct. 13, visit the Weyburn Red Wings on Oct. 14 and wrap up their trip by taking on the Estevan Bruins on Oct. 15.
“Some of our best games have been out on the road to be honest with you,” Bedford said.
“I’m looking forward to it. I have my bags packed already.”
The North Stars will return to the Civic Centre on Oct. 21 to host the Humboldt Broncos.
Tuesday’s SJHL Recap
Chris Van Os-Shaw was an unstoppable force for the Humboldt Broncos Tuesday night.
The 19-year-old from Regina scored four goals in the first two periods and assisted on Trevor Posch’s third period marker to help his team cruise to a 7-1 win at home over the La Ronge Ice Wolves.
Brayden Camrud had three helpers while Kobe Scott and Posch each had a goal and an assist for the Broncos, who have now won four straight games.
Dawson Atamanchuk also scored for the victors while Tayden Woods had the lone goal for the Ice Wolves, who have lost their last six games.
SJHL Players of the Week
The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League handed out their weekly awards on Monday for the week ending on Oct. 2.
Brett Harasymuk of the Nipawin Hawks earned player of the week honours after scoring five goals and assisting on three others in four games.
The top defenceman trophy went to Joseph Leonidas of the Flin Flon Bombers after he dished out five assists in four games.
His teammate Zac Robidoux won the goaltender of the week award after a pair of wins over the weekend against the Melville Millionaires.
Humboldt Broncos forward Brayden Camrud picked up the rookie of the week accolades after he had five assists in three games.
CJHL Top 20
A pair of Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League teams cracked the latest edition of the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s Top 20 rankings on Monday.
The Humboldt Broncos moved up to ninth place after being ranked 16tha week ago.
Also making the list were the Flin Flon Bombers, who slid from 12thto 15th.
The Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Steinbach Pistons have taken over the top spot from the Trenton Golden Hawks of the Ontario Junior Hockey League.
SJHL Standings
Finning Division
1. Humboldt Broncos – 8-1-0-0 – 16 points
2. Battlefords North Stars – 6-3-0-0 – 12 points
3. Notre Dame Hounds – 4-4-0-0 – 8 points
4. Kindersley Klippers – 2-3-0-0 – 4 points
Sherwood Division
1. Flin Flon Bombers – 6-1-1-0 – 13 points
2. Nipawin Hawks – 4-2-2-0 – 10 points
3. Melfort Mustangs – 3-6-0-0 – 6 points
4. La Ronge Ice Wolves – 1-8-0-0 – 2 points
Viterra Division
1. Estevan Bruins – 5-1-0-1 – 11 points
2. Weyburn Red Wings – 4-3-0-1 – 9 points
3. Yorkton Terriers – 2-3-2-0 – 6 points
4. Melville Millionaires – 3-6-0-0 – 6 points
SJHL Scoring Race
1. Chris Van Os-Shaw (Humboldt) – 16 points
2. Daniel McKitrick (Humboldt) – 14 points
3. Trevor Posch (Humboldt) – 14 points
4. Kaelan Holt (Estevan) – 12 points
5. Matt McNeil (Estevan) – 12 points
6. Reed Delainey (Battlefords) – 12 points
7. Ben Duperreault (Notre Dame) – 12 points
8. Connor Logan (Battlefords) – 10 points
9. Dondre Watson (Flin Flon) – 9 points
10. Adam Dawe (Notre Dame) – 9 points
11. Lynnden Pastachak (Estevan) – 9 points
12. Brayden Camrud (Humboldt) – 9 points
Wednesday’s SJHL Schedule
- Weyburn vs. Estevan – 7 p.m.
- Melfort vs. Kindersley – 7:30 p.m.
- La Ronge vs. Notre Dame – 8 p.m.
