The North Stars and Klippers battle tonight. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)
Heading down to Kindersley

North Stars looking to improve their rank heading into the playoffs

Mar 12, 2022 | 1:59 PM

The Battlefords North Stars may have long cemented their spot in the SJHL postseason and are playing a team out of the race, there is still a lot to play for.

Should the North Stars get three out of a possible four points in their remaining two games, Saturday in Kindersley against the ninth-place Klippers, and Monday in Wilcox against the eight-ranked Notre Dame Hounds, the North Stars would jump up from fourth to third in the SJHL playoffs.

That would mean the North Stars would play the banged up La Ronge Ice Wolves (who are still battling despite their absences), and avoid playing the rough and rowdy Flin Flon Bombers.

The North Stars will be looking for the full two-points available on Saturday when they take on the Klippers. The North Stars are coming off a 4-1 victory over the Bombers on Friday—their final home game of the regular season.

Austin Schwab was a sensation in goal for the ‘Stars, making 48 saves of 49 Bombers shots. Jake Southgate and Bradley Blake each had a goal and an assist in the victory. Wilson Steele and Keiton Klein also scored for the North Stars.

The Klippers, however, were defeated handily 8-1 at home by the Humboldt Broncos on Friday. They also had five players ejected, following two different line brawls in the defeat.

Here’s how the North Stars will line up against the Klippers tonight.

North Stars lineup

Forwards:

#18 Emmett Wurst, #28 Dylan Esau, #24 Steven Kesslering

#21 Jake Southgate, #20 Ryland McNinch, #23 Keiton Klein

#3 Zane Florence #10 Brad Blake, #25 Colby Bear

#19 Ashtyn Shields, #17 Ty Bahm, #27 Ethan Scriven

Defencemen:

#26 Wilson Steele, #22 Riley Little

#7 Sam Witt, #14 Nikolas Smolinski

#2 Tynan Ewart, #15 Gavin Granger

Goaltenders:

#1 Austin Schwab

#35 Carter Bell (AP)

Scratches #16 H. Doell (F), #9 D. Prymak (F), #11 M. Henry (F), #4 J. Grill (D), #5 E. Rask (D), #6 T. Gold (D), #30 M. Harroch (G), #35 L. Kenyon (G)

Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW

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