Over the last couple of weeks, the Battlefords North Stars have been looking for an improved performance from their power play.
They received that in spades Friday night at the Civic Centre, as they scored four times on the man advantage on their way to a 5-2 win over the La Ronge Ice Wolves in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League action.
“We changed the structure a little bit yesterday in practice and it paid off for us rather quickly,” North Stars forward Layne Young said. “It was clicking right off the start, especially with how we were moving the puck.
“Instead of being fancy out there, we just stuck to what the coaches told us to do,” North Stars forward Ben Allen added. “We tried to use our speed more on the outside instead of just standing still and it worked out well for us as they never really knew where we were coming from out there.”
The North Stars top line led the way in the victory, which improved their league-best record to 38-8-1-0.
Young had a pair of goals, one of which came on an empty-net late in the game, whilw Allen had a goal and an assist.
Coby Downs finished the night with two assists, but had several great chances to score throughout the game.
“I think Coby had five golden opportunities during the game that he usually scores on,” North Stars head coach and general manager Nate Bedford said. “That kind of summed up the night for us on even strength, as we just weren’t able to find the back of the net there.
“Once we all start bearing down on those chances and becomes successful with those scoring opportunities, things will become a lot easier for us.”
Connor Logan had a goal and an assist in the win, with the other power play marker coming off from Reed Delainey.
Jared Blaquiere had two fantastic assists on the goals by Logan and Delainey, while Joel Grzybowski made 22 saves to earn his 17th win of the season.
The Ice Wolves, who have lost their last 18 games, held the lead for most the first period as Curtis Peck found the back of the net after only a couple of minutes.
Brayden Dunn had a power play goal in the third period and Luke Lush made 48 saves for the visitors, who now have a league-worst 6-36-1-4 mark.
The North Stars will head out on the road tomorrow for a 7:30 p.m. battle with the Humboldt Broncos.
