Stars Cruise to Victory Against Nipawin..

Admittedly the Hawks did not dress their strongest lineup, but a win is a win. The North Stars downed the Hawks 10-2 tonight in front of 437 fans at the North Battleford Civic Center.

I've been following this team for three years now, and this is the first time that I've seen them score double digits in any game, be it preseason or otherwise.

The Stars received goals from:

Mitch Wall (2), Justin Waskewitch (2), Blake Tatchell (2), Josh Daley, Troy Watt, Ben Morgan and Dusty Iron.

Nipawin countered with goals from Eli Lichtenwald and Eric Ditto.

In the previous blog I threw out several thoughts heading into the game tonight. Lets see if the players answered the bell.

1) It's an important game for our defenceman. Spiess, Iron, and Brodbin are all likely to log big minutes tonight and I'm sure that Spiess and Iron in particular will be looking to be more consistent.

Dusty Iron scored a nice short-handed goal, and played solid. Spiess was consistent at both ends. Ken Pearson said afterwards that he expects Iron to be a little more assertive.


2) This list of forwards for tonight's game is impressive.However it means nothing unless these 12 play better at both ends of the ice. Guys like Morgan, Tatchell, Dunser, Wakelin and Waskewitch are going to be under to microscope tonight. Which ones will rise to the top?

Tatchell, Waskewitch and Morgan all chipped in with offence, and guys like Wakelin and Dunser made their presence felt elsewhere. Pearson was especially quick to compliment the play of Wakelin and Tatchell after the game.


3) If Kyle Birch's stay in Medicine Hat becomes permanent, you could very well expect to see Coleman Young or Spencer Laycock as a backup this year. Will Young seperate himself from Laycock tonight?

Coleman Young made 33 saves and remained solid throughout 60 minutes. Both Kenny and Atch encouraged Young, and it looks like he'll get another look before the (possible) return of Kyle Birch.

4) Will the vets lead by example? Against a younger Nipawin team, guys like Peake, Wall, Graf etc. Will no doubt get their chances. It will be key for these players to start gaining confidence sooner than later.


The vets did not dissapoint. Watt, Wall, and Peake all contributed offensively, and Graf and Oak made their presence known in different ways. None of the vets in tonight's lineup hurt their cause.



Can the Stars duplicate this effort tomorrow night when they head to Nipawin to play at the Cage? What did you think about the game tonight? I'd love to hear your thoughts.


Cheers to a Stars victory in a Friday night!

- Dano