North Stars' forward Marshall Light has been an impact player all 200 feet of the ice this year. Light has seven points (two goals, five assists) in 10 games while being relied upon in key defensive/matchup situations. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)
Rematch in Weyburn

North Stars wrap road swing with second crack at Wings

Oct 28, 2023 | 2:00 PM

The Battlefords North Stars return to action Saturday night, to wrap their three-game road swing back where it all began two nights ago, in Weyburn.

The North Stars (7-6-0-1) enter play second in the Nutrien Division and fifth overall in the league standings, just two points back of Weyburn for fourth overall, though the Red Wings do hold an extra game in hand.

Following up a tough 10-5 loss in Weyburn Thursday with a 5-2 win in Estevan a night ago, Saturday’s contest will determine the success of the Battlefords’ road trip based on the outcome.

The Red Wings (7-3-0-3) sit first in the Viterra Division and fourth overall, heading into their first game since Thursday night’s victory over the North Stars, having won three straight overall heading into play.

The North Stars are led offensively by forward Kian Bell, who is coming off a four-goal performance a night ago in Estevan, and has put teams across the league on notice with seven points (four goals, three assists) through his first two games, since rejoining the Battlefords at the start of the road trip.

Defending SJHL MVP of the Week, Max Monette has continued to be a force of late on the other side with the Red Wings. Weyburn’s captain and top-line centre had three assists to lead the Wings in their 10-5 win Thursday, having amassed 10 points (five goals, five assists) over his last four games, and 17 in 13 games this season to sit tied for eighth in league scoring.

Special teams could play a big factor again Saturday night, if Thursday’s game was any indication. The North Stars were 2-for-5 with the man advantage (adding a third moments after a penalty had expired), while the Wings were a lethal 4-for-7.

On the season, the Red Wings’ PP is clicking at 21.9 percent (second overall) while the North Stars’ is 13.2 percent (10th), though has been at their best of late. Both are middle of the pack on the penalty kill, with the Wings’ 81.8 percent (sixth) and the North Stars’ 81.1 percent (ninth).

In goal, North Stars’ defending SJHL Goalie of the Week, Justen Maric, will make his return between the pipes, after getting the night off Friday. Through six games, Maric is 3-2-0-1 with a 1.94 goals against average and .944 save percentage.

Weyburn are expected to start backup Eric Kahl. Through four games played, Kahl is 1-2-0-0 with a 4.42 goals against average and .883 save percentage.

Thursday’s game from Weyburn will be available on 1050 CJNB, with the Ultra Print Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. and puck drop to follow at 7 p.m. on the NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Broadcast.

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1

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