It was a mix of rookies and veterans chipping in offensively for the Battlefords North Stars on the weekend when they earned two wins against Bauer Conference teams.
The North Stars were in Humboldt and Nipawin and earned two one-goal victories to make it four straight wins.
Friday in Humboldt, Connor Creech wasn't real busy and had to stay sharp for his first shutout of the season. Creech made 12 saves in the North Stars' 1-0 win.
Matt Hrynkiw was perfect in the Broncos' net all night and made 30 saves. The one that beat the Broncos' goaltender was off the stick of Braeden Johnson. Johnson's fifth of the season was assisted by his linemates Kyle Hall and Austin Evans.
Both teams had four power play chances and were unsuccessful. With the win the North Stars improved to 1-2 against the Broncos this season.
After facing the team who eliminated the North Stars from last season's playoffs they were on the ice the next night against the team the North Stars beat in overtime in game seven.
Surprisingly, Saturday was the first meeting of the season between the Nipawin Hawks and Battlefords North Stars.
The last time these two teams faced off it took overtime to decide a winner. This year it was close again. Nipawin's goaltender Davis Jones was impressive making 41 saves through 65 minutes, but was beat twice in a shootout.
The Hawks drew first blood, but the North Stars responded nearly a minute late when Hall used his speed to get a step on the Hawks' defence and beat Jones on a wrap around.
The Hawks scored the lone goal in the second period and led 2-1 heading into the third period.
Three minutes into the final frame, Luke McColgan and Brandon Long set up Blake Young for his second goal of the season.
Hall's speed again was a big factor in the North Stars grabbing the 3-2 lead. Braeden Johnson set up Hall through the neutral zone and Hall fired the puck from the circle past Jones.
Nipawin scored nearly five minutes later and tied the game.
The North Stars outshot the Hawks 7-1 in overtime, but couldn't beat Jones.
In the shootout, Brody Luhning snapped a wrist shot in and Jake McMillen scored, as he made a nice deke.
Creech stopped two shootout attempts made 24 saves in regulation and overtime for his 11th win of the season.
The North Stars were at home Tuesday against Flin Flon and Thursday and Friday they travel to Yorkton and Melville.
