North Stars' forward, Ben Portner was named the Canadian Junior Hockey League's Third Star of the Month Friday, for his standout play of late. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Rivalry Renewed

North Stars tangle with Bombers in Flin Flon for clash of league’s elite

Feb 16, 2024 | 2:06 PM

Coming off a week-long layoff since their last game, the Battlefords North Stars return to play Friday night in Flin Flon for their first of back-to-back games with the rival Bombers.

The North Stars enter play first in the Nutrien Division and second overall in the league standings with a 32-9-4 record through 45 games. Coming off a 4-1 win over Notre Dame last weekend, the North Stars have just two regulation losses in their last 21 games.

The Bombers are the lone team above the North Stars in the standings, with a 39-3-2 record through 44 games. After a 3-0 victory over Melfort Wednesday, Flin Flon have just two regulation losses in their last 22 games.

The weekend matchup is highlighted by a plethora of star power, featuring four of the top-five players in SJHL scoring.

North Stars’ game-breaker Kian Bell leads all players with 73 points (31 goals, 42 assists) in just 31 games played; while two-way dynamo Ben Portner sits tied for fourth in scoring with 60 points (24 goals, 36 assists) in 41 games.

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Bell enters play with eight goals and 22 points in his last 10 games, while Portner has 14 goals and 25 points on a 10-game point streak.

The Bombers counter with a forward core led by the elite 1-2 centre punch of hometown captain Justin Lies, who sits third in league scoring with 66 points (35 goals, 31 assists) in 43 games, and playmaker extraordinaire Jacob Vockler, who is tied for fourth with 60 points (19 goals, 41 assists) in 43 games.

Lies has six goals and 11 points in his last 10 games, while Vockler has a goal and 10 points in his last 10.

With so much firepower between the two sides, special teams’ play should prove to be of the utmost importance. The Bombers and North Stars sit first and second in power play efficiency this year (FF 26 per cent, Bat 24) and first and third on the penalty kill (FF 90 per cent, BAT 82).

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

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1