Stars-Klippers Preview.

The Battlefords North Stars wrap up their regular season tonight at the West Central Events Center in Kindersley. The Stars have not fared well in this building in recent years, and will look to win in Kindersley for the first time since February, 2009.

KINDERSLEY KLIPPERS

Record: 34-20-3-0

Overview:

Rockie Zinger's team is 7-2-1-0 in their last 10 games, and are coming off a 5-3 win Friday in the Battlefords. The Klippers are healthy, and excited for the post-season. They finished second in the Sherwood Conference and will face the Weyburn Red Wings in the first-round.

Who's Up Front:

Friday night, the Kindersley Klippers were led by former Brandon Wheat King forward Wheaton King. King scored twice for Kindersley, including the game-winner. Since joining the Klippers on January 10th, King has supplied a ton of depth and secondary scoring. He enters tonight's game with six goals and 14 points in 15 games.

Who's on D:

During Rockie Zinger's interview on the CO-OP Leisure Time Sports Fix on Monday, Rockie Zinger highlighted defenceman David Haaf as his most "pleasant surprise" of the season. Haaf has only registered four points in 37 games, but Zinger really likes the way he has developed. Haaf is considered to be one of the more dependable defencemen on the team and his play has been steadily improving.

Who's in Goal:

Friday night we saw Justin McDonald get the call for Kindersley and he did not disappoint. McDonald stopped 40 of the 43 shots he faced, and earned the victory for the Klippers. Does that warrant another start? Or does Sean Cahill get the call for Kindersley in their final tune-up before playoffs?

X-Factor:

The obvious X-Factors for tonight's game are Kindersley's top three forwards: Braedon Adamyk, John Calkins and Andrew Dommett. Adamyk also scored twice on Friday night and has now reached 40 goals on the season. Calkins enters tonight's game with 91 points, and Andrew Dommett always seems to have the North Star's number.

BATTLEFORDS NORTH STARS

Record: 26-28-2-1

Overview:

The Battlefords North Stars are 4-5-1-0 in their last 10 games, and are hoping to end their season on a high note. The Stars are just 1-5 this season against Kindersley with their only victory coming at the SJHL Showcase in Weyburn. Friday's result was not due to a lack of effort, but Kindersley was able to capitalize off of some mistakes and that ultimately sealed the North Star's fate.

Who's Up Front:

In a 'nothing' game as far as the standings go, tonight all comes down to the little things. Blake Tatchell and Colin Phaneuf head into tonight's game tied for the team-lead in points with 74. I'm sure both would love to end up as the sole leader in points, so tonight's game could be interesting in that regard. Either way, both have seemingly regained some confidence after a slow start to February.

Who's on D:

Battlefords North Star's captain Cris Neurauter has really come on as of late both offensively and defensively. The 20-year-old leads the team in offense from the blue-line with 39 points on the year. You know that he'll be gunning to hit 40 tonight.

Who's in Goal:

Graham Hildebrand likely gets the call tonight for the Stars, and a win tonight for Graham makes things very interesting heading into the playoffs. Ken Pearson has used the "Win and you stay in" philosophy all year, and assuming that holds true, Graham Hildebrand will start Game One against Flin Flon if he wins in Kindersley.

X-Factor:

Heart. Tonight's game means nothing, yet everything in a sense. If the Stars come out tonight flat, and uninspired, it could mean disaster for them come Friday night. If they compete, avoid bad habits, and play for pride tonight in Kindersley, I really like their chances not only tonight, but Friday as well. It's crucial that the Stars don't look ahead to Friday, when two points are up for grabs against another heated rival tonight.

Tonight's game goes tonight at 7:30. You can hear the call live on CJNB/CJNS starting at 7:15.