President's Tour Comes to N.B. And More.

The SJHL President's Tour is making it's way to the Battlefords for tonight's game, but the festivities will begin sooner than that.

A press conference is being held this morning at 11 at Innovation Credit Union, where SJHL President Laury Ryan will be on-hand alongside North Star's personnel to announce three award finalists from the Stars. By this afternoon we will know who the North Star nominees are for Team MVP, Top Defenceman and Top Rookie.

Fans will also have a chance to get up close with the Credit Union Cup and the many other trophies that will be displayed at tonight's game. Fans can also enter to win a number of big prizes including a trip to Europe.

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From here on out, it is safe to say that there are no meaningless games in the SJHL anymore.

It's nice to know that heading down the home stretch there is not a single team in the league that is 'out of it' as far as playoffs are concerned.

Heading into tonight's action, only nine points separate third from sixth in the Bauer Conference, while down south only 10 points separate fourth from sixth. A winning streak here, or a losing-streak there could drastically effect a team's chances and positioning.

Take tonight's game for example:

The Battlefords North Stars host the Estevan Bruins in a non-divisional matchup where seemingly the points are not necessarily at a premium right? WRONG.

A win for the North Stars puts them one point back of Humboldt for third, and a comfortable (for the moment) four points ahead of Flin Flon for fourth place.

A loss for the Stars keeps them just two points ahead of Flin Flon. Add the fact that Flin Flon would have four games in hand and the Star's situation becomes much more difficult.

On the other side, Estevan is in a similar predicament. A victory tonight keeps them within striking distance of Weyburn for third-place in the Sherwood, but a loss keeps the Melville Millionaires within striking distance of them.

We have a four-pointer on our hands tonight and I for one hope that fans take full advantage of the opportunity to watch two desperate teams strut their stuff.

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A full preview of tonight's game will be posted this afternoon along with the North Star's award nominees.