Stars forward, Dylan Esau, is coming off a two goal performance in Game 4 Wednesday, as he and his teammates return to home ice for Game 5, Friday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Back in the Battlefords

North Stars host Bombers for Game 5, with series lead on the line

Mar 25, 2022 | 2:37 PM

The Battlefords North Stars will return to action on home ice Friday night at the ACC for Game 5 of their first round, best-of-seven playoff series with the Flin Flon Bombers.

The teams have split the first four games of the series heading into play as the Stars won their opening two on home ice, 7-3 in Game 1 and 4-2 in Game 2, prior to the Bombers answering back with two straight of their own in Flin Flon, 4-2 in Game 3 and 4-3 in overtime of Game 4.

Now a best-of-three series, head coach of the North Stars, Brayden Klimosko said the team is feeling good and ready to go, heading into Friday night.

“I think overall we’re not too down about what’s happened; it’s part of the game and it’s a 2-2 series with a chance to get back to our home rink tonight,” Klimosko said. “I think we just need to get our feet moving again and get that speed aspect of our game back and I think that will make a big difference, so that’s the key for us tonight.”

The North Stars have seen strong contributions from the top of their forward lineup though the series. Jake Southgate and Steven Kesslering sit tied for second overall in league scoring this postseason with three goals and seven points apiece, while Ryland McNinch and Dylan Esau sit just back with six points each.

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Kesslering, who scored in each of the first three games, picked up three assists in Game 4, while Southgate — who was named SJHL MVP of the Week — had two goals to lead the way in the team’s Game 2 victory the last time they were at home. McNinch led the way with a hat trick performance in Game 1, while Dylan Esau has a pair of multi-point games already, including two goals in Game 4.

Stars defenceman, Sam Witt, has also been a tower of strength on the backend for the Stars this postseason. In addition to sitting tied for third in team scoring with six points, Witt has also been relied upon to play against the opposition’s best, earning him SJHL Defenceman of the Week honours. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

On the other end, defenceman Rylan Theissen leads the Bombers with five points (2G, 3A) on the series and has picked up at least a single point in each of the four games so far, while Jacob Vockler has a club-best three goals, including the overtime winner from Game 4 to tie the series.

With three points apiece, Flin Flon’s Drew Kuzma and Brett Wieschorster have also made their presence felt, as Kuzma has been the Bombers’ most consistently dangerous forward, while Wieschorster is coming off goals in back-to-back games for the team.

Special teams has played a pivotal role through the series thus far, with the winning team scoring two power play goals through each of the opening three games, though Game 4 was a break from the special teams deciding the contest, as the Bombers withstood a shorthanded goal against in their victory.

In goal, Michael Harroch has been nothing short of outstanding for the Battlefords, named SJHL Goaltender of the Week after stopping 162 of 175 total shots-against in the series so far for a 3.22 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. Bombers’ Cal Shell has posted a 3.93 goals-against average and .867 save percentage.

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

In other Game 5 action around the league, the (#2) Humboldt Broncos will host the (#7) La Ronge Ice Wolves in Humboldt (series tied 2-2); and the (#3) Melfort Mustangs will host the (#6) Yorkton Terriers in Melfort, needing a win to extend the series (YOR leads series 3-1). The (#1) Estevan Bruins will host the (#8) Notre Dame Hounds for Game 5 of their series Saturday night in Estevan (EST leads series 3-1).

North Stars playoff schedule, Round 1:

Game #1: Stars win 7-3; lead series 1-0

Game #2: Stars win 4-2; lead series 2-0

Game #3: Bombers win 4-2; Stars lead series 2-1

Game #4: Bombers win 4-3 OT, Series tied 2-2

Game #5: Fri., March 25 @ North Battleford

*Game #6: Sun., March 27 @ Flin Flon

*Game #7: Tues., March 29 @ North Battleford

*If needed.

Full schedule details are available here.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1