The North Stars will receive a boost upfront with the return to the lineup of Martensville product and SJHL leading scorer, Holden Doell, and league-leading goal scorer, Kian Bell. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Rivalry weekend continues

Stars host Broncos in Martensville for Hockey Day in Saskatchewan

Jan 21, 2023 | 3:00 PM

Rivalry weekend continues for the Battlefords North Stars Saturday, as the team return to action in Martensville for night two of their home-and-home with the Humboldt Broncos.

Celebrating ‘Hockey Day in Saskatchewan’ in the home of Stars’ forward, Holden Doell, the game will cap the day’s festivities, as a regular time, 7:30 p.m. start.

The North Stars (34-2-2-1) enter play in top spot of the league standings, looking to bounce back quickly from a 4-3 loss Friday night in Humboldt.

The Broncos (25-11-1-0) sit second overall, and enter play riding a three-game winning streak, looking to sweep the weekend set with their divisional foes.

The Stars will receive a shot in the arm Saturday night, with a return to play from each of the top two scorers in the SJHL, and two-thirds of the team’s top line.

Made in Saskatchewan

Find My Plus One: The Canadian App for Getting Out and Living Your Best Life

Mar 09, 2026

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Ed Hervey Tampering Window Opens!

Feb 02, 2026

Seniors Scene

New Year - New Habits

Feb 02, 2026

Holden Doell, who leads all players with 65 points in 32 games this season, and Kian Bell who sits second with 63 points, including a league-leading 33 goals, will return to the lineup after both missing Friday’s contest due to illness.

With Stars’ captain Jake Southgate (third in SJHL scoring with 55 points in 38 games) still sidelined due to flu-like symptoms, Keiton Klein (28 points in 36 games) will compete the Stars’ top-line trio, entering play with four goals and eight points in his last 10 games.

Humboldt counter looking to build on Friday’s win that saw four different players chip in, in the 4-3 decision.

Broncos’ leading scorer, Cage Newans led the way in the victory with a goal and three points, while Humboldt’s three-headed monster down the middle: captain Ethan Zielke, Lucas Ceccarelli, and Xavier Roy, combined for four points on the night and will be front and centre again, Saturday night.

Special teams played a large part in Friday’s contest, as two of the North Stars’ three goals, and two of the Broncos’ five – including the game winner – came on the man-advantage.

The Broncos’ 24.3 percent and Stars’ 23.8 percent power plays sit second and third overall this season, while both teams are also among the top end on the penalty kill. Humboldt ‘s 84.5 percent kill is third, with the Battlefords’ 81.7 percent ranks sixth overall.

Between the pipes, the Stars will return to starter, Josh Kotai. Kotai is coming off a superb 45-save performance Friday, and enters play 24-1-2-1, with a league-best 2.17 goals against average and .940 save percentage.

At the other end, Humboldt will hand the reigns to Benjamin Motew, after Jared Picklyk got the start, Friday. Motew is 11-3-1-0 in 17 games this year, with a 2.65 goals against average and .908 save percentage.

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

—

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1