Stars Rookies Shine against Kindersley.

The Battlefords North Stars are 1-0 on the preseason.

A lineup full of rookies defeated an older Kindersley roster 7-4 in front of 466 fans at the Civic Center.

The game did not start well for the Stars. They looked timid, slow and overwhelmed for the first ten minutes. Sean Flanigan (91), Pearce Gourley (92) and Tanner Kissick (93) scored quickly for Kindersley and they had a comfortable 3-0 lead.

The Stars would score twice before the first frame came to an end. Jordan Dymytryshyn (93) and Justin Lund (94) would capitalize, and the score was 3-2 after 20 minutes. The Stars were outshot 12-6.

The second period was a much better period for the Stars. They went back and forth with the Klipps, and seemed to find some confidence. Mitch Gartner (92) would tie the score at three, and then the Stars took a 4-3 lead when Chad Tichkowsky (92) scored a very nice goal.

The third period also belonged to the home team as Nick Wourms (93), Kolten Baptiste (92) and Jared Samborski (93) chipped in with goals. Kindersley would counter with a gino from Cody Thiel(93).

The highlight of the third period came at around the 10 minute mark when Jordan Dymytryshyn dropped the gloves with former Battlefords Midget AAA forward Jordan Hoffman. Hoffman had the height and age in his favor, but Dymytryshyn held his own, took his punches, and delivered several nice shots. The fight lasted about two minutes, and the crowd at the Civic Center was dilligent in applauding the two combatants.

After the game, Stars coach Ken Pearson applauded the effort of his team. He admitted that things got off to a slow start, but great goaltending, and physical defence allowed his team to get the edge on the competition.

"I really liked the way our young guys held their own. Once they got their feet moving they played really well," said Pearson after the game.


I watched the game with my fellow broadcast partners Matt Ryan and Cody Nickolet.

Cody wanted me to make mention of D Colton Smith (94) and D Kolten Baptiste (92). Both were very dependable in their own end, and both seemed to have the ability to either slow the game down or speed the game up.

My favourite players on offence were: Mitch Gartner, Jared Samborski and Justin Lund.

I was also pleased to see that the veterans decided to attend the game, it's great to see the older players showing their morale support to the youngsters. I know it's early, but I'm getting a really good vibe about the upcoming season.

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Up next for the Stars, a home game on Thursday night with the Humboldt Broncos. I'm certain that you'll see a more veteran lineup that night. I'm already counting the days.

Thanks for reading, feel free to leave your comments! I'm trying my damndest to make this blog consistent and fun for it's readers.

Goodnight!

- Dano