BATTLEFORDS NORTH STARS 2010-2011 SEASON TICKET RATES
Season Ticket Rates
Adult
$ 209 (Before June 15th)
Student*
$ 145
Child**
$ 100
*Student = 13 and older, including post-secondary students with a valid student card
**Child = 12 and under
See the following to check out your season ticket savings!!!
Season Ticket Rate/
Gate Ticket Rate
Adult
$209 (ONLY $7.46/ ticket)
$12
Student
$145 (ONLY $5.17/ ticket)
$7
Child
$100 (ONLY 3.57/ ticket)
$5
Other Great Season Ticket Holder Advantages:
J Reserved Seating (all regular home games & playoffs)
J Guaranteed Playoff Tickets (first right of refusal)
J Savings!! (Up to 56% OFF gate prices
J Tickets are good for any game (No date on tickets)
Don’t miss out!! Call 445-STAR for more information. You can pick up your tickets at the Scott Campbell Dodge service department (Kara), or at Bee-J's Office Plus (Debbie.)
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As you may (hopefully) have noticed - I've added a few things to the blog. I've added a couple more blogs to my 'Follow Feed' and I've also posted a direct link to my twitter.
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I anticipate that within the next few weeks we will learn the future hockey fates of some of the 20-year-old North Star players. In speaking to the likes of Blake Peake, Mitch Wall, and Jesse Lebreton etc. There seems to be a lot of waiting involved, but I assure you that that info will be posted here when it is made available.
We already know that Chad Filteau is heading to Sacred Heart University, but other than that it's a wide open world out there.
I'm of the mindset that it's not a matter of IF, but a matter of WHEN for the rest of the vets.
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This broadcaster is not DONE with hockey yet this year. For a third straight season, I'm calling the North Saskatchewan River Hockey League senior hockey championships between St. Walburg and Paradise Hill.
I know that this league has a tremendous fan-base, and what I would like to know from you is:
Would you be interested in reading preview-type pieces for the remaining games of that series, a long with game recaps?
I know that it is my blog, but if there is enough interest out there, I would definitely go the extra-mile and provide extended coverage of that series. Any e-mails or comments on that issue would be greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Reflections and Thank You's.
So what now?
This is the toughest part of the year for any hockey broadcaster. Nothing can ever prepare you for the wave of emotion that comes when a season is over.
This year's North Star's team had as good a chance as any to win the championship, and instead they were ousted by the La Ronge Ice Wolves in six. In my opinion there is lots to celebrate, but right now the entire North Star organization is in a state of shock, and this feeling will linger for another few weeks at least.
I guess I'll start by congratulating Bob Beatty and the La Ronge Ice Wolves. They have truely earned their spot in the Bauer Conference Final and will no doubt be a tough opponent for either Yorkton or Kindersley. Great goaltending, timely offense, and solid special-teams were all key factors in the Ice Wolves series victory and I wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavors.
-----------------------------------
For North Star's coach Ken Pearson, the offseason begins today. As I type this, the Coach is meeting with the players, and when all is said and done today the Star's locker-room will be emptied for another season.
The coaching staff will immediately start dissecting the season, and will do their best to point out what went wrong and address those issues in the offseason. After Game Six, Ken Pearson discussed the Power-play struggles, and how special teams were the ultimate 'un-doing' of the Stars. The Star's man-advantage went 2-20 during the three games in La Ronge, and was not much better at home.
-------------------------------------
For the eight 20-year-olds who played their final game as a North Star last night, I'd like to thank all of you.
Mitch Wall, Troy Watt, Blake Peake, Chad Filteau, Jesse Lebreton, Brody Malek, Coleman Brodbin, and Grant Fahnhorst have all left a positive mark on this franchise, and we are all grateful for having watched you play and contribute to this organization and community. Your leadership, character and skill will be missed terribly, and I hope that your stint in the Battlefords was a memorable one.
----------------------------------------
As far as the 10-11 season is concerned, I think the Stars are in great shape. Assuming that everybody returns, the Stars have a great nucleus in place.
Forwards:
Brett Miller (91) - Cuz I'm a jackass and accidently forgot.
Josh Daley (90)
Shay Neufeld (90)
Tony Oak (90)
Blake Tatchell (91)
Ward Szucki (91)
Boyd Wakelin (91)
Nathan Tomac (91)
Dane Muench (92)
Calder Neufeld (92)
Tanner Schwab (92)
Defence:
Cody Folstad (90)
Woody Klassen (91)
Dominic Perrault (91)
Kyle Schmidt (93)
Goaltending:
Kyle Birch (90)
Graham Hildebrand (91)
Not bad at all eh?
But lets not kid ourselves. There are going to be trades, and there will be movement during this offseason. Ken Pearson has worked hard to improve the Star's 50-man protected list, and some more unknowns will soon be household names in the Battlefords.
The offseason can be a very exciting time for a promising team like the North Stars, and I anticipate that we'll be hearing many good things out of North Star Nation once the Royal Bank Cup comes to an end on May 9th.
----------------------------------
A few folks have been asking me if I'm going to keep updating the blog now that the season is over. The immediate answer is yes. I will continue posting North Star news and notes, and will continue to provide the fans with info and insight into the world of sports both locally and nationally.
It's only a matter of time before some of our 20-year-olds will receive scholarship opportunities from schools, and others could very well pursue pro careers if they so choose. I will make every effort possible to keep you updated on North Star's past and present.
I want to thank each and every individual reader of the North Star Nation blog for their loyalty, compliments and support. When I started this blog at the start of the 09-10 season, I didn't really know what to expect, and I can safely say that my expectations were exceeded. Thank you.
------------------------------------
Don't stop checking the North Star's website either. The Annual Golf Tournament is coming up sooner than you think, and we are also in the midst of trying to create an Alumni Database for the team.
Over the next few seasons it is our hope that we can host several Battlefords North Star's alumni events. If you have ever played for the Battlefords North Stars, please e-mail: office@northstars.ca and supply your name, your position, the years you played in the Battlefords and a quick summary of what you're doing now with your life.
------------------------------------
Now onto my personal thank you's, and there are lots of them.
First and foremost I would like to thank the North Star's Board of Directors and coaching staff. At the start of this season, they trusted me enough to take on the role of Media Relations Director with the team, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity. I firmly believe that I have the best job in the SJHL, and you have given me that opportunity and I thank you.
To Ken and Blair for their support and friendship. I have enjoyed this season more than you even know. From the endless laughs on the bus, to some great conversations on the road - You've helped this 24-year-old broadcaster feel 'at home.' Not only that, but both always seemed to have my best interests in mind. Be it Blair critiquing my outfits, or Ken correcting my spelling on the blog, it all meant a lot to me, and I look forward to many more stories and memories together down the road.
To my roommate on the road Dale Jackson. You truely are Mr. Everything to the North Star's, and we are lucky to have you on board. Thanks for all of your hard-work, and dedication to your craft. I consider you a dear friend, and I am already excited for our trips together next year. Thanks for keeping me company on the way to Yorkton too, that was awesome.
To Missy Reiter, team trainer - You're the ultimate sweet-heart. Thank you for your compliments, and you're loyalty to the team. Best of luck with your delivery, and I look forward to spending more time with you and Jody over the offseason.
To Marketing and Office Manager Dawn Cardell - We truely make a great team don't we? By the way, if anybody knows of a house for rent in the Battlefords. E-MAIL Dawn at office@northstars.ca or call 445-7827.
To my broadcast team - Matt Ryan, Cody Nickolet and Trent Cey. Matt you've come such a long way as a broadcaster, and you're energy and passion for this team is contagious.
Cody, you did a remarkable job covering this league and I anticipate only bigger and better things from you in the future. You're dedication to your craft is second to none, and I appreciate your help so much.
Trent, you filled in admirably whenever I needed you, and I am grateful for that. You're a great writer, and the News Optomist is lucky to have you.
To Julie Larson for your photography. I know I speak for everybody when I thank you for your photos. You truely have a gift for photography, and I'm blessed that you shared your gift with my readers. You're the greatest girl I know, and I'm blessed just to know you, let alone share my life with you.
To the many other North Star volunteers who have lended countless hours towards this organization - Thank you. Without you, we wouldn't have a team. You're dedication and love for this team is outstanding. Neil, Tyler, Debbie, Kara, Tri-Dawn Security Members, the Northwest Hockey Developmment concession workers, the Hot Stove Lounge Commuittee and the 50/50 ticket takers - Wow. You are all terrific.
To the North Star parents who have constantly built me up and supplied me with compliments, energy and kind words. I have enjoyed meeting all of you and sharing stories and laughs with all of you. Thank you for trusting the North Star's with your children, and thank you for making my days at the rink much more fun!
To the billets who bleed for this organization. Again, without you, there would be no team.
To the loyal season ticket holders and fans who cheered loud and proud game after game for this team. The fact that 60 of you came to La Ronge for Game Six was inspiring, and I can't help but smile when I think about the cheering section from last night's game. Great job North Star Nation. Great job.
And once more I want to thank the players. You provided us all with a tremendous run, and you helped take my broadcasts to another level this season. Thanks for making yourselves available to me before, and after games, and I hope that we can stay in touch and keep the laughter going forward.
If i've missed anybody, I apologize. I hope I was able to give this season justice with my broadcasts, and blogs. Thank you again for your tremendous support, and comments over the course of the season. You've been a constant source of insipiration to me and I look forward to more great memories together.
Don't be a stranger.
Dan O'Connor
This is the toughest part of the year for any hockey broadcaster. Nothing can ever prepare you for the wave of emotion that comes when a season is over.
This year's North Star's team had as good a chance as any to win the championship, and instead they were ousted by the La Ronge Ice Wolves in six. In my opinion there is lots to celebrate, but right now the entire North Star organization is in a state of shock, and this feeling will linger for another few weeks at least.
I guess I'll start by congratulating Bob Beatty and the La Ronge Ice Wolves. They have truely earned their spot in the Bauer Conference Final and will no doubt be a tough opponent for either Yorkton or Kindersley. Great goaltending, timely offense, and solid special-teams were all key factors in the Ice Wolves series victory and I wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavors.
-----------------------------------
For North Star's coach Ken Pearson, the offseason begins today. As I type this, the Coach is meeting with the players, and when all is said and done today the Star's locker-room will be emptied for another season.
The coaching staff will immediately start dissecting the season, and will do their best to point out what went wrong and address those issues in the offseason. After Game Six, Ken Pearson discussed the Power-play struggles, and how special teams were the ultimate 'un-doing' of the Stars. The Star's man-advantage went 2-20 during the three games in La Ronge, and was not much better at home.
-------------------------------------
For the eight 20-year-olds who played their final game as a North Star last night, I'd like to thank all of you.
Mitch Wall, Troy Watt, Blake Peake, Chad Filteau, Jesse Lebreton, Brody Malek, Coleman Brodbin, and Grant Fahnhorst have all left a positive mark on this franchise, and we are all grateful for having watched you play and contribute to this organization and community. Your leadership, character and skill will be missed terribly, and I hope that your stint in the Battlefords was a memorable one.
----------------------------------------
As far as the 10-11 season is concerned, I think the Stars are in great shape. Assuming that everybody returns, the Stars have a great nucleus in place.
Forwards:
Brett Miller (91) - Cuz I'm a jackass and accidently forgot.
Josh Daley (90)
Shay Neufeld (90)
Tony Oak (90)
Blake Tatchell (91)
Ward Szucki (91)
Boyd Wakelin (91)
Nathan Tomac (91)
Dane Muench (92)
Calder Neufeld (92)
Tanner Schwab (92)
Defence:
Cody Folstad (90)
Woody Klassen (91)
Dominic Perrault (91)
Kyle Schmidt (93)
Goaltending:
Kyle Birch (90)
Graham Hildebrand (91)
Not bad at all eh?
But lets not kid ourselves. There are going to be trades, and there will be movement during this offseason. Ken Pearson has worked hard to improve the Star's 50-man protected list, and some more unknowns will soon be household names in the Battlefords.
The offseason can be a very exciting time for a promising team like the North Stars, and I anticipate that we'll be hearing many good things out of North Star Nation once the Royal Bank Cup comes to an end on May 9th.
----------------------------------
A few folks have been asking me if I'm going to keep updating the blog now that the season is over. The immediate answer is yes. I will continue posting North Star news and notes, and will continue to provide the fans with info and insight into the world of sports both locally and nationally.
It's only a matter of time before some of our 20-year-olds will receive scholarship opportunities from schools, and others could very well pursue pro careers if they so choose. I will make every effort possible to keep you updated on North Star's past and present.
I want to thank each and every individual reader of the North Star Nation blog for their loyalty, compliments and support. When I started this blog at the start of the 09-10 season, I didn't really know what to expect, and I can safely say that my expectations were exceeded. Thank you.
------------------------------------
Don't stop checking the North Star's website either. The Annual Golf Tournament is coming up sooner than you think, and we are also in the midst of trying to create an Alumni Database for the team.
Over the next few seasons it is our hope that we can host several Battlefords North Star's alumni events. If you have ever played for the Battlefords North Stars, please e-mail: office@northstars.ca and supply your name, your position, the years you played in the Battlefords and a quick summary of what you're doing now with your life.
------------------------------------
Now onto my personal thank you's, and there are lots of them.
First and foremost I would like to thank the North Star's Board of Directors and coaching staff. At the start of this season, they trusted me enough to take on the role of Media Relations Director with the team, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity. I firmly believe that I have the best job in the SJHL, and you have given me that opportunity and I thank you.
To Ken and Blair for their support and friendship. I have enjoyed this season more than you even know. From the endless laughs on the bus, to some great conversations on the road - You've helped this 24-year-old broadcaster feel 'at home.' Not only that, but both always seemed to have my best interests in mind. Be it Blair critiquing my outfits, or Ken correcting my spelling on the blog, it all meant a lot to me, and I look forward to many more stories and memories together down the road.
To my roommate on the road Dale Jackson. You truely are Mr. Everything to the North Star's, and we are lucky to have you on board. Thanks for all of your hard-work, and dedication to your craft. I consider you a dear friend, and I am already excited for our trips together next year. Thanks for keeping me company on the way to Yorkton too, that was awesome.
To Missy Reiter, team trainer - You're the ultimate sweet-heart. Thank you for your compliments, and you're loyalty to the team. Best of luck with your delivery, and I look forward to spending more time with you and Jody over the offseason.
To Marketing and Office Manager Dawn Cardell - We truely make a great team don't we? By the way, if anybody knows of a house for rent in the Battlefords. E-MAIL Dawn at office@northstars.ca or call 445-7827.
To my broadcast team - Matt Ryan, Cody Nickolet and Trent Cey. Matt you've come such a long way as a broadcaster, and you're energy and passion for this team is contagious.
Cody, you did a remarkable job covering this league and I anticipate only bigger and better things from you in the future. You're dedication to your craft is second to none, and I appreciate your help so much.
Trent, you filled in admirably whenever I needed you, and I am grateful for that. You're a great writer, and the News Optomist is lucky to have you.
To Julie Larson for your photography. I know I speak for everybody when I thank you for your photos. You truely have a gift for photography, and I'm blessed that you shared your gift with my readers. You're the greatest girl I know, and I'm blessed just to know you, let alone share my life with you.
To the many other North Star volunteers who have lended countless hours towards this organization - Thank you. Without you, we wouldn't have a team. You're dedication and love for this team is outstanding. Neil, Tyler, Debbie, Kara, Tri-Dawn Security Members, the Northwest Hockey Developmment concession workers, the Hot Stove Lounge Commuittee and the 50/50 ticket takers - Wow. You are all terrific.
To the North Star parents who have constantly built me up and supplied me with compliments, energy and kind words. I have enjoyed meeting all of you and sharing stories and laughs with all of you. Thank you for trusting the North Star's with your children, and thank you for making my days at the rink much more fun!
To the billets who bleed for this organization. Again, without you, there would be no team.
To the loyal season ticket holders and fans who cheered loud and proud game after game for this team. The fact that 60 of you came to La Ronge for Game Six was inspiring, and I can't help but smile when I think about the cheering section from last night's game. Great job North Star Nation. Great job.
And once more I want to thank the players. You provided us all with a tremendous run, and you helped take my broadcasts to another level this season. Thanks for making yourselves available to me before, and after games, and I hope that we can stay in touch and keep the laughter going forward.
If i've missed anybody, I apologize. I hope I was able to give this season justice with my broadcasts, and blogs. Thank you again for your tremendous support, and comments over the course of the season. You've been a constant source of insipiration to me and I look forward to more great memories together.
Don't be a stranger.
Dan O'Connor
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Game Six Preview - Stars and Ice Wolves
Who's Up Front:
The Top Six forwards of the Ice Wolves are going the focal point in Game Six. The Stars need to find a way to keep the likes of Lindensmith, Carre, Findlay, DeCorby, Brennan and Conacher off the score-sheet. Don't get me wrong, the Ice Wolves can beat you in many ways, but if the Stars want to force a game Seven, they'll need to limit the time and space of some of the higher scoring forwards on the Ice Wolves.
Who's on D:
Will Mike Alexander be back in the fold for Game Six? If so, that drastically increases the Ice Wolve's power-play effectiveness, and it also bodes well for them defensively.
Who's in Goal:
Bartko did all he could in Game Five to win the game for his team, and fell just short. It'll be his turn in Game Six to try and steal the show.
X-Factor:
Today I look at the grinders: Richard Cameron and Nolan Souchotte. Both have had a terrific series, but just haven't been able to capitalize. If the Wolves can get a goal from one of their role-players, that will spark the rest of the team, and perhaps put them into the SJHL Final.
Who's Up Front:
The top six of the Stars will have to put this team on their back offensively tonight. On one hand the Stars have proven that they can get scoring from anywhere, but in the same breath, they've shown that when their top six are going - The rest seems to follow dutifully. Mitch Wall, Chad Filteau, Brett Miller, Blake Peake, Ward Szucki and Blake Tatchell are the ones to watch today.
Who's on D:
Do you think that Jesse Lebreton, Coleman Brodbin and Brody Malek want their season to end on a Sunday in La Ronge? Those three are going to bring it, and bring it big-time tonight.
Who's in Goal:
Blair Atcheynum hinted after Game Five, that it was going to be Kyle's time to shine. He won Game Five, and now Game Six will be on his plate too. The Stars need Kyle Birch to have another effort like Game Five. If so, then Game Seven is a legit possibility on Tuesday night.
X-Factor:
Discipline. Keep the Ice Wolves off of the power-play in La Ronge and you'll find success.
--------------------------------
Game time is 6:00 PM with the pre-game show at 5:45. You won't want to miss a second of this one.
Enjoy the game tonight,
DO
Saturday, March 27, 2010
March 26 Photos
*** All Photos Taken By Julie Larson ***
Brodbin Thumps Souchotte.
Miller Makes it 1-0.
The Coach.
Nice Save Birch.
Brodbin Thumps Souchotte.
Miller Makes it 1-0.
The Coach.
Nice Save Birch.
Stars Force Game Six with a 3-2 OT Win.
Persistence payed off for the Battlefords North Stars in Game Five. They hit three goal-posts in OT, and had several other chances which Adam Bartko denied - Yet, with 16:19 gone in Overtime, Nathan Tomac extended the North Star's season with the overtime winner.
The Star's won Game Five 3-2, and will now give the Ice Wolves something to think about heading up to La Ronge for Game Six on Sunday night.
The Stars opened the scoring at 7:28 when Brett Miller (6) tipped home a Cody Folstad point-shot on the power-play. Chad Filteau added an assist.
The Wolves responded late in the first when Dustin Stevenson came in on the left-wing, and took a shot which Birch stopped. However, the rebound (fittingly) bounced directly back to Stevenson who roofed it over top of Kyle to tie the score at 1.
Kyle Birch and Adam Bartko both made crucial stops in the first period. Birch faced 17 shots in the first stanza and stopped 16.
Mid-way through the second period, the Stars made it 2-1 off a La Ronge turnover. Jesse Lebreton received a quick pass at center from Brett Miller, and Lebreton did the rest. He skated across the blueline, got the left circle, and blasted his second goal of the playoffs over the glove of Bartko.
Two minutes later, the Stars lost the services of Woody Klassen for the remainder of the game when the refs called him for charging Adam Bartko. They gave Klassen five and a game. Unfortunately for the Wolves, Robert Monfore took a minor penalty, and shortly afterwards Colton MacPherson took a roughing penalty, and the Ice Wolves only received about 45 seconds of Powerplay time.
The Wolves would tie the score early in the third period. Doug Lindensmith lifted a rebound over the left pad of Kyle Birch, and the Ice Wolves tied it on the man-advantage.
For the most part the Wolves carried the play in the third period. The Stars gave up numerous chances, and were largely outhustled for pucks. Kyle Birch held his ground until the late stages of the frame, and then the Stars were handed two late power-play opportunities which they couldn't deliver on.
Overtime was needed for a second straight game, for a third time in the series.
Early in O.T. Ward Szucki DINGED one off the goalpost, and that type of luck continued for the Stars. Chad Filteau, Blake Tatchell, Blake Peake, Troy Watt and Ward Szucki again had chances to end it, but Adam Bartko stood tall and kept the game tied.
At the other end, former North Star Richard Cameron had the best chance to win it for the Wolves, when he out-waited everybody, and nearly snuck one by Kyle Birch.
Late in overtime, the Stars thought they won the game off a Blake Tatchell shot from the slot. The red light went on, but the puck actually went through Bartko's legs and off the goal-post. The nasty puck-luck continues.
The game ended at 16:19, during a mad-scrambled in front of the Wolves net. The puck was sitting loose in the crease, and the four-odd bodies in front of the net couldn't seem to wack at it. Enter Nathan Tomac.
Tomac came off the bench and bee-lined straight towards the Ice Wolves net. He dove at the loose puck, and stuffed it underneath Adam Bartko. Game over!
"These boys know that they still have a job to do, but we'll enjoy this one tonight," said Blair Atcheynum after the game.
The Stars finished 1-8 on the power-play, while the Wolves finished 1-7.
The Wolves saw Aaron DeCorby return to the lineup, but were missing the services of Mike Alexander.
Game Six goes Sunday night at 6:00 pm from the Mel Heglund Arena in La Ronge. You can catch that game on the radio starting at 5:45 with the Sask-Tel Pregame Show.
------------------------------------
The North Stars are sending a fan-bus to La Ronge for tomorrow's game. The cost is 55$ and that includes your ticket to the game. The bus will be leaving the Civic Center at noon, and will get to La Ronge at approxomitely 5:00.
At this time, there are roughly 27 spots remaining on the bus. Call the North Star's office until noon at 445-7827 and then call Kara Rosen at home: 446-4910 to get your seat on the bus.
The Star's won Game Five 3-2, and will now give the Ice Wolves something to think about heading up to La Ronge for Game Six on Sunday night.
The Stars opened the scoring at 7:28 when Brett Miller (6) tipped home a Cody Folstad point-shot on the power-play. Chad Filteau added an assist.
The Wolves responded late in the first when Dustin Stevenson came in on the left-wing, and took a shot which Birch stopped. However, the rebound (fittingly) bounced directly back to Stevenson who roofed it over top of Kyle to tie the score at 1.
Kyle Birch and Adam Bartko both made crucial stops in the first period. Birch faced 17 shots in the first stanza and stopped 16.
Mid-way through the second period, the Stars made it 2-1 off a La Ronge turnover. Jesse Lebreton received a quick pass at center from Brett Miller, and Lebreton did the rest. He skated across the blueline, got the left circle, and blasted his second goal of the playoffs over the glove of Bartko.
Two minutes later, the Stars lost the services of Woody Klassen for the remainder of the game when the refs called him for charging Adam Bartko. They gave Klassen five and a game. Unfortunately for the Wolves, Robert Monfore took a minor penalty, and shortly afterwards Colton MacPherson took a roughing penalty, and the Ice Wolves only received about 45 seconds of Powerplay time.
The Wolves would tie the score early in the third period. Doug Lindensmith lifted a rebound over the left pad of Kyle Birch, and the Ice Wolves tied it on the man-advantage.
For the most part the Wolves carried the play in the third period. The Stars gave up numerous chances, and were largely outhustled for pucks. Kyle Birch held his ground until the late stages of the frame, and then the Stars were handed two late power-play opportunities which they couldn't deliver on.
Overtime was needed for a second straight game, for a third time in the series.
Early in O.T. Ward Szucki DINGED one off the goalpost, and that type of luck continued for the Stars. Chad Filteau, Blake Tatchell, Blake Peake, Troy Watt and Ward Szucki again had chances to end it, but Adam Bartko stood tall and kept the game tied.
At the other end, former North Star Richard Cameron had the best chance to win it for the Wolves, when he out-waited everybody, and nearly snuck one by Kyle Birch.
Late in overtime, the Stars thought they won the game off a Blake Tatchell shot from the slot. The red light went on, but the puck actually went through Bartko's legs and off the goal-post. The nasty puck-luck continues.
The game ended at 16:19, during a mad-scrambled in front of the Wolves net. The puck was sitting loose in the crease, and the four-odd bodies in front of the net couldn't seem to wack at it. Enter Nathan Tomac.
Tomac came off the bench and bee-lined straight towards the Ice Wolves net. He dove at the loose puck, and stuffed it underneath Adam Bartko. Game over!
"These boys know that they still have a job to do, but we'll enjoy this one tonight," said Blair Atcheynum after the game.
The Stars finished 1-8 on the power-play, while the Wolves finished 1-7.
The Wolves saw Aaron DeCorby return to the lineup, but were missing the services of Mike Alexander.
Game Six goes Sunday night at 6:00 pm from the Mel Heglund Arena in La Ronge. You can catch that game on the radio starting at 5:45 with the Sask-Tel Pregame Show.
------------------------------------
The North Stars are sending a fan-bus to La Ronge for tomorrow's game. The cost is 55$ and that includes your ticket to the game. The bus will be leaving the Civic Center at noon, and will get to La Ronge at approxomitely 5:00.
At this time, there are roughly 27 spots remaining on the bus. Call the North Star's office until noon at 445-7827 and then call Kara Rosen at home: 446-4910 to get your seat on the bus.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Stars - Wolves (Game Five Preview)
Who's Up Front:
So far in this series there hasn't been on forward in particular who has dominated the Stars. The Wolves have beaten the Stars three times with depth. Game one it was Doug Lindensmith, Game three it was Marc-Andre Carre and in Game Four it was Travis Eggum, Ben Findlay and Dan Conacher. If the Ice Wolves are going to win this series tonight, their depth will have to shine once again.
Who's on D:
On the same night that he was crowned SJHL Player of the Year, Dustin Stevenson scored the most important goal of his career. Stevenson's OT winner has set the Stars back 3-1 in the series. Stevenson will have to bring a similar type of effort in Game Five, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Mike Alexander and Kirk Moore.
Who's in Goal:
Adam Bartko continues to find ways to win hockey games. If Bartko is not the early choice for Playoff MVP then I give up.
X-Factor:
Coaching. Bob Beatty has been the master of putting teams away during his coaching career. The former RBC Champ has already dethroned Humboldt, beaten number one Flin Flon, and has a chance to slay another giant tonight. Beatty knows that momentum is a key thing, and in order to keep momentum on his side, he'll have to lead his troops to victory in Game Five.
Who's Up Front:
Ward Szucki scored twice for the Stars in Game Four, and darn nearly had the OT winner in the first minute. Szucki found great chemistry with Blake Tatchell and Blake Peake, and if those three are together again tonight I'd expect another positive result.
Who's on D:
Hopefully the same group that shut-out the Wolves in Game Two. A stronger emphasis on defence, and net protection will be in order for the Stars tonight if they want to extend the series.
Who's in Goal:
If Ken Pearson sticks to his rotation, it would appear as if Kyle Birch gets the call tonight and likely for the remainder of the series if he can win. Birch loves the pressure, and he's proven that he can win the big game. That being said, don't count out Graham Hildebrand.
X-Factor:
In an elimination type of game, the veterans need to strut their stuff. I'm thinking of four 20-year-olds in particular: Jesse Lebreton, Brody Malek, Coleman Brodbin and Mitch Wall. These four have spent the past three seasons in North Battleford and will not want their North Star's caree to end in defeat. Look for those four in particular to bring a spirited physical effort in tonight's game.
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All hands need to be on deck tonight. Puck drop 7:30 from the North Battleford Civic Center. We'll see you there.
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