Stars forward, Holden Doell is coming off a three-assist game, and enters play Saturday with six points in his last three games. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

North Stars Rollin'

North Stars look for fourth-straight versus Terriers in Yorkton

Oct 23, 2021 | 2:01 PM

The Battlefords North Stars will wrap their weekend road swing Saturday, against the Yorkton Terriers at Farrell Agencies Arena in Yorkton.

The North Stars (8-3-1) enter the night’s action second in the Global Ag Risk Solutions Division, and fourth overall in the league standings with 17 points; just a single point back of Humboldt while holding a game in-hand.

The Battlefords will be looking for their fourth straight victory, having largely dominated their opposition over their recent 3-0 run, outscoring their opponent by a combined 19-7 margin over their last three wins over Melfort, La Ronge and Melville, respectively.

At the other end, Yorkton (4-8) will be looking to build on a 2-1 win over Weyburn Tuesday. The Terriers sit third in the Viterra Division and 11^th overall, with eight points – tied with Weyburn though the Red Wings hold two games in-hand.

The North Stars’ top line of Holden Doell, Jake Southgate and Colby Bear will remain together Saturday, after combining for six points Friday versus Melville.

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Southgate, who had two goals and an assist, and Doell – who picked up three assists – have been especially hot as a tandem of late. Both have scored six points each over their last three games (Southgate with four goals, two assists, and Doell with six assists, over the span).

Beyond that top trio however, there will be a number of lineup changes, including the elevation of forward Tanner Klimpke to a top-six role, centering wingers Steven Kesslering and Zane Florence.

The move comes after Klimpke has scored points in five straight, including three goals over his last four, playing almost exclusively on the third and fourth lines.

Drawing back into the lineup, Ethan Scriven will suit up alongside Dylan Esau and Ryland McNinch on the third line; while Bradley Blake, who also returns to action, will line up at center between KT Walters and Keiton Klein.

On the backend, the biggest blow for the team comes in the form of an upper body injury to Wilson Steele, who could miss the next few weeks.

In his absence, Easton Johns will draw back in the lineup as well, to the left of Riley Little on the top pair. Sam Witt and Tanner Gold on the second unit remain in-tact from Friday night’s contest.

Seventeen-year-old, Jordan Grill will also return to the lineup for the first time since Oct. 5, to join Tynan Ewart on the backend, to round out the defence.

In goal, Michael Harroch, who was acquired by the North Stars earlier in the week from Cranbrook of the BCHL, will get his first start with the team between the pipes.

Saturday’s game versus Yorkton will be available via the NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast on 93.3 The Rock. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin at 7 p.m., with puck drop at 7:30 p.m.

North Stars lineup

Forwards:

J. Southgate, H. Doell, C. Bear

Z. Florence, T. Klimpke, S. Kesslering

E. Scriven, D. Esau, R. McNinch

KT Walters, B. Blake, K. Klein

Defencemen:

E. Johns, R. Little

S. Witt, T. Gold

T. Ewart, J. Grill

Goaltenders:

M. Harroch

U. Roussel

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1