Tonight the Battlefords North Stars (2-3) head to the Elgar Peterson Arena for their first matchup of the year against the defending SJHL champion Humboldt Broncos (3-1-1). These two teams met in last year's post-season with the Humboldt Broncos taking the series in six games. The last time that the North Stars won a regular season game in Humboldt was back in 2006-2007, so to say that the Stars are due would be an emphatic understatement.
Who's Hot:
Offensively, the 'Broncs' are led by forward's Spencer Braaten (Bra-ten) and Justin Buzzeo. Braaten has chipped in with six points in five games, while Buzzeo has tallied four points. North Star fans will remember Braaten and his Game 5 heroics against the Stars in last year's playoffs.
Who's on D:
I'm sure that the Stars are breathing a sigh of relief knowing that they no longer have to face the menacing Brady Wacker, or Tanner Vandesype. That being said, the Broncos do have some weapons on D, and cannot be taken the least bit lightly. Mitch Peeke, Kenton Valliant, Kyle Cowan, and Colton Allan can all play at this level, but perhaps the one specific 'D-man' to watch out for is 91 born Cade Kimery. According to their stats, he's the only Humboldt defenceman who has scored.
Who's in Goal:
With Andrew Bodnarchuk currently in Okotoks trying out for Team Canada West, we will likely be seeing Matt LaRochelle. The North Stars have had some decent success against La Rochelle, beating him twice in last year's playoffs. Don't kid yourself though, this guy can play. He's 1-1-1 with a GAA of 2.27 and a save percentage of .905%
X-Factor:
Spencer Braaten. This guy absolutely devoured the North Star's last year. If the Stars can keep his name off of the stats sheet, they'll be in good shape.
Who's Hot:
The North Stars have five different players with five points to start this season, and in order for them to beat Humboldt they are going to need consistente contributions again. However, it certainly wouldn't hurt for the Stars to get a three-point performance out of somebody.
Who's On D:
Woody Klassen and Dominic Perrault may both be suited up tonight for the North Stars. It will be great to see if both can draw in and make an immediate impact. Woody and Dom can both play physical, and they'll have too if they want to keep their spots.
Who's in Goal:
Intuition tells me that Kyle Birch gets the start tonight. The only reasoning I have for that is that Graham Hilldebrand started in Yorkton and lost the game.
X-Factor:
North Star's captain Mitch Wall. Wallsy will now be playing his fourth game of the season, and he has still yet to score a goal. Don't kid yourself - Wall will score plenty of goals this season, but he's got to get the first one. Why not tonight, in Humboldt against the team that ended his season last year.
The Battlefords North Stars need to get a win on the road simply for confidence sake. A win against Humboldt would set them up nicely heading into a busy stretch this weekend with Melville on Friday and Melfort on Saturday.
Is it too early to call this game a 'must win?'
What are your thoughts heading into Humboldt tonight?
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