Stars host Klippers for final home game ahead of holidays

Kindersley sits fourth in the Global Ag. Risk Solutions Division and 10^th overall in the league standings, with a 12-17-1 record through 30 games, giving them 25 points on the year. A desperate hockey club, the Klippers will be eager to snap a three-game losing streak.

Head coach of the Stars, Brayden Klimosko said he wants to see his team come out confident, and play their best heading into the Christmas break.

“I think we lost a little bit of that confidence and a little bit of that swagger there when we lost those couple of games recently, even though I thought we played really well,” he said. “So hopefully getting that win last game will give us some confidence again here, as we know Kindersley will be coming for us tonight.”

Players to watch

Forward, Jake Southgate leads the Stars in both goals (14) and points (30) this season, and is coming off a performance to remember Tuesday night, during which he scored a highlight-reel shorthanded marker for his team.

Dylan Esau (28 points) and Steven Kesslering (27), who sit second and third in team scoring, are also coming off multi-point performances Tuesday; as are Zane Florence and Brad Blake, all four of whom scored a goal and a helper apiece.

Kindersley’s attack is led by defending SJHL Rookie of the Week, Tylin Hilbig, who leads the team with 12 goals and 21 points this year. Hilbig has played some of his best hockey of late, notching his first career hat trick last weekend against Melfort.

Klippers veterans, Noah Lindsay and Matthew Mazzocchi are also notable players to watch, as each is coming off a one goal, one assist game in their last outing versus Notre Dame as well, Wednesday.

Special teams

The North Stars hold a distinct advantage on the power play heading into Friday, clicking at nearly 24 per cent (2nd), while Kindersley have struggled on the man-advantage this year at just 11 per cent effectiveness (12^th).

However, the Klippers have been strong on the penalty kill, edging out the Stars, with an 80 per cent effective kill (sixth) to 77 per cent for the Battlefords (eighth).

Goaltending

Between the pipes, Michael Harroch will get the start for the Battlefords. In 15 games this season, Harroch has posted a 9-2-3 record, along with a 2.57 goals-against average and sparkling .929 save percentage.

At the other end, Kindersley will give the nod to Brett Sweet. The 19-year-old has posted a 6-4-0 record this season, along with a 3.96 goals-against average and .877 save percentage.

The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast will be available on 1050 CJNB. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin at 7 p.m., with puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m.

As part of a special celebration pregame, the North Stars will also be honouring the 2019-20 team that won 45 games and finished the regular season with the second-winningest season in franchise history prior to the pandemic, when the postseason was shut down.

North Stars lines

Forwards:

M. Henry, D. Esau, S. Kesslering

J. Southgate, H. Doell, R. McNinch

E. Scriven, E. Wurst, K. Klein

Z. Florence, B. Blake, C. Bear

Defencemen:

E. Rask, R. Little

E. Johns, T. Gold

T. Ewart, J. Grill

Goaltenders:

M. Harroch

L. Kenyon

—

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1

by Martin Martinson

Stars host Klippers for final home game ahead of holidays

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