Stars PP Haunts Them, Broncos Win 2-1.

Last night at the Civic Center the Battlefords North Stars dropped a 2-1 decision to the Humboldt Broncos. Andrew Bodnarchuk made 33 saves, and the Broncos scored both of their goals short-handed.

The game was scoreless after 20 minutes but the Battlefords outshot Humboldt 11-5. Andrew Bodnarchuk and Graham Hildebrand both made some great stops.

Humboldt opened the scoring at 11:02 of the second period when Nick Keller dodged a check at the Stars blueline and then buried a short-handed goal low glove-side on Graham Hildebrand.

Three minutes and 37 seconds later, the Broncos did it again. This time it was Cameron Gibson who was all alone in front of the North Star's net, and made no mistake. Earlier on the play, Jesse Lebreton lost his stick, and Cody Folstad went into the corner to try and help him out. No forwards were able to race back in time to cover Gibson.

Brody Malek scored for the Stars at 8:27 of the third to make things interesting, but goal-posts, missed nets, and great stops from Andrew Bodnarchuk haunted the North Stars all game.

Up next for the Stars: Another battle with the Kindersley Klippers. The Stars are 2-1 against Kindersley this season. Tonight's game will be the finale of the STRIKE ENERGY SJHL Showcase. The puck drops at 7:30 pm. You can catch the broadcast tonight on CJNB/CJNS.

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Last night's game was a tough one from a broadcast stand-point. I admit that I was probably 'too tough' on the North Stars during the game. But having seen what this team is capable of, and then watching last night's game, I think some of my frustration was justified.

There is simply too much talent, too much heart, and too much pride with this group to let something like that happen twice in a row.

I'm expecting an enormous turn-around from last night to tonight. The Stars - Klippers rivalry is one of the best out there, and I'm really excited to see the Stars bounce back after last night.

Kindersley will be no slouch. Right now they are playing their best hockey, and it would come as no suprise to me if they make a real run at first place in the Sherwood Conference.

I'll be back on the blog later to preview the game. Right now I'm off to do color for the Estevan Bruins broadcast against Yorkton.

Thanks for reading.