Friday Preview: Stars Hit the Road Tomorrow Morning.

Through three games, the North Stars have played some 'pretty good' hockey. They've scored consistently, they've stood up for one another, and the goaltending has been reliable enough to win two out of three games.

But winning at home has never been the problem for this team. The road however is a much different story.

Over the past two years, the Battlefords North Stars have beaten the following teams on the road (*excluding preseason and playoffs):

La Ronge Ice Wolves (3 times - all in 08-09)
Kindersley Klippers (3 times - Once in 07/08, twice in O8/09)
Melfort Mustangs (Once in 07/08)
Flin Flon Bombers (Once in 07/08)


If the Battlefords North Stars want to classify themselves as a top team in the SJHL, they need to start winning on the road consistently. A victory or two this weekend would do wonders for their confidence as September winds down.

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Friday, September 25, 2009

Last Season:

The Battlefords North Stars actually went 2-2 against the Millionaires last year with both of their wins coming at home. The Stars defeated the Mil's 5-4 in overtime, and then 3-1 on January 17th, 2009 during parents weekend. On the road, the Stars dropped a pair of 4-2 decisions.





Who's Hot for Melville Up Front?:

Forwards Aaron Decorby and Logan Herauf have both tallied five points in the past two games for the Mils. Newcomer Mike Desjarlais added four points in his debut weekend in the SJ.


On Defence:

It doesn't get much more steady then Jordan Reeve and Austin Krahenbil. These two 20-year-olds may be two of the most reliable defencemen in the SJHL. Krahenbil has four points through two games, and Reeve has an assist.


In goal:

20-year-old Brady Wilyman started both games for the Mils in their opening series with Estevan. His numbers were good, not great. I'm wondering if coach Fiesel would consider starting 16-year-old Zack Rackochy.

Ex-Factor:

A tie between forwards Tyson Melnychuk and Michael Jordan. These two 20-year-olds were held pointless in two games against the Bruins, and both are going to be hungry to get on the score sheet. If the Stars can prevent these two players from making an impact, they should give themselves a chance to win.







Who's Hot for the North Stars Up Front?:

In the past, Melville never needed to concern themselves with defending four capable scoring lines, but this season is different. Heading into Friday's game, it's safe to suggest that the Daley-Peake-Neufeld line is probably the biggest offensive threat. Those three have conbined for 12 points in three games.


On Defence:

Offensively, the blueline will once again rely on Jesse Lebreton. 'Lebby' is off to a great start with four points in three games, and the readdition of Brodbin and Malek back into the lineup seemed to help his confidence a ton. A good game from Lebreton will put the Stars in a great position to win.


In Goal:

Flip a coin. With two games in two nights, coach Ken Pearson will 'almost' certainly start Graham Hilldebrand and Kyle Birch at some point this weekend. The million dollar question though: Do you give Kyle a third straight start? Or do you start the road-trip with Hilldebrand and give him a chance to get his first W and get some confidence going.

If its me choosing? I'm going with Graham in Melville. But it's not, so we'll move on.


Ex-Factor:

For the Stars I have also selected two players.

1) Brett Miller - Miller always seems to 'bring it' for Melville games. Miller practically beat the Millionaires on his own back on January 17 (one goal, one assist), and perhaps this trend could continue on the road. It'll be his first game back with the Stars, so one would assume that he'll be pretty fired up to make an impression with his teammates.

2) Jordan Lane - The Melville Millionaires are a bigger team than both Kindersley and La Ronge, and Lane may finally get a chance to go toe-to-toe with one of their players. Mainly though, Lane has a real opportunity to make his presence known in front of the Millionaire's net. Austin Krahenbil might be the best defensive defenceman in the league, but can he get the job done against a 6-7, 245 pound presence in front of his net?


Both games this weekend can be heard live on CJNB/CJNS or here.

The Sasktel Pregame Show starts at 7:15, and the Northland Rentals North Star's broadcast kicks off at 7:30.

Care to share your predictions?