Wednesday’s 3-2 overtime victory over Warman marked the Stars’ first game at the Civic Centre since Nov. 15, 2020. (File photo/battlefordsNOW)
Monchuk Pots Winner

AAA Stars signal triumphant return to hockey with OT win in preseason opener

Aug 26, 2021 | 1:00 PM

With the clock winding down in three-on-three overtime, Battlefords hometown product Nate Monchuk picked up a pass from teammate Kobie Anderson, and raced up the ice towards the opposition goal.

Barreling in on a partial two-on-one with the defender on his back, Monchuk snapped a shot on goal from in front, to tickle the twine and bring the crowd to their feet at the Access Communications Centre; giving the AAA Stars a thrilling 3-2 win over the rival Warman Wildcats, and a perfect 1-0 start to the exhibition schedule.

(Twitter/MartyMartyPxP1)

While it may have only been the first game of the preseason, the joyous eruption felt in the building signified more than just an exhibition win. It was celebration for the return of hockey to a community starved for their favourite pastime.

Perhaps none felt that emotion more so than local Tyler Beatch, who regularly volunteers at both the AAA Stars and Battlefords North Stars games, and was among those on hand for Wednesday night’s preseason opener.

“It was amazing, I’ve never enjoyed an exhibition game so much in my life,” Beatch said. “The North Stars and the AAA Stars have been a huge part of my life, and I really missed it over the last 18 months, so to see them back and playing it kind of felt like I was dreaming.”

Monchuk, who scored the winner echoed the sentiment from a players’ perspective, as even on the bench the team could feel the energy given off by the crowd.

“We were talking after the game about how the building was pretty full for an exhibition game,” Monchuk said. “They all said the building was pretty loud too on the [overtime] goal, but all I could hear is Kobie Anderson screaming [in celebration],” he laughed.

Battlefords local, Nate Monchuk scored the game winner in overtime Wednesday, to give the AAA Stars a win in their preseason opener. (Submitted photo/AAA Stars)

Anderson and Jeremy Hanson scored the other two goals for the Stars in Wednesday night’s victory, while goaltenders Carter Bell and Matthew Ofunkany split the night’s contest, giving up just a single goal apiece. Bell stopped 18-of-19 shots on the night, while Ofunkany turned aside 16-of-17.

For the full box score of Wednesday’s game, click here.

The AAA Stars will now look to keep the momentum rolling from their preseason opener, as they will face the Warman Wildcats for the second time in as many nights this evening at the Legends Centre in Warman. Game time Thursday night will be at 7:15 p.m.

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1

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