With another assist Friday night, North Stars' forward Ben Portner extended his point streak to 13 straight heading into Saturday, having scored 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) over the span. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Night two of road trip

North Stars aim for quick bounce back in Melville

Feb 24, 2024 | 3:00 PM

Coming off a tough 8-3 defeat in Yorkton to open their final road trip of the season, the Battlefords North Stars will get back on the proverbial horse for night two of their trip Saturday – in search of a quick bounce back – in Melville.

The North Stars enter play first in the Nutrien Division and second overall in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League standings, with a 33-11-4 record through 48 games. With just eight games to go in their regular season schedule, the Battlefords sit three points up on third-place Melfort and four up on fourth-place Humboldt for second overall.

Melville is first in a crowded Viterra Division and sixth overall, with a 24-22-1 record through 47 games. With 49 points, the Millionaires sit right in the thick of the playoff race, just a single point back of fifth-place Kindersley and a single point up on seventh-place Estevan, with spots five-through-seven separated by just two points.

Like the Battlefords, Melville will also be eager to bounce back quickly from a tough loss a night ago, falling 7-0 to Melfort.

The North Stars’ blue line headlines the storylines heading into Saturday’s contest. Defenceman Alex Izyk scored another two goals Friday night to pull into a tie for most amongst blue liners in the league this season, while also sitting second in total points at the position with 52 in just 44 games.

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Captain Tanner Gold will also make his much-anticipated return to the lineup, after missing Friday’s game due to illness. Sixth in defenceman scoring with 41 points (eight goals, 33 points) in 44 games, Gold’s return serves as a huge boon to the Battlefords’ defensive and transition game, as the cornerstone of the team and leader of the group.

Melville is also led by a prominent defenceman, in 20-year-old Colby Ball. Third in Millionaires scoring and top-10 at the position, Ball has 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) in 43 games this year, including seven power play goals which ranks third amongst rearguards.

Mills’ goalie William Dyke is another player to watch heading in, as he was recently named SJHL MVP of the Week and Goalie of the Week, stopping 47-of-49 shots last week in back-to-back wins over Nipawin and La Ronge.

Saturday’s NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Broadcast 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.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1