Just one night after falling to the Kindersley Klippers in their home opener, the Battlefords North Stars got into the win column with a 4-1 victory over the Nipawin Hawks.
After the game, North Stars assistant coach Owen Lamb said the team moved the puck much better than it did the previous night.
“That just allowed us to really use our speed. I thought our forecheck was exceptional tonight,” he said.
“It really gave us an opportunity to sustain some pressure in the offensive zone, and then our guys could just get comfortable making plays and enjoying the perks of being in the offensive zone.”
The Hawks opened the scoring at the 12:56 mark of the first period when Raydr Wallington took a shot from the point. The puck took a bad bounce off Will Kirwan’s face and went into the net.
Despite going to the dressing room afterward, Kirwan was able to stay in the game, impressing Lamb and the coaching staff.
“He had a great bounce back there when he came back late in the first and played the rest of the game. He was an elite puck mover, making plays,” said Lamb.
After one: 1-0 Hawks
The North Stars tied the game in the second period when Owen Nelson found Kobe Sawyer on a two-on-one. Sawyer shot the puck past Hawks goalie Madex Kabrud 2:17 into the period.
Both teams had chances throughout the period, but Sawyer’s goal was the lone tally of the second frame, and the teams headed into the third tied 1-1.
After two: Tied 1-1
At 8:56 of the third period, the North Stars took their first lead of the season on the power play. Drew Williamson scored on a one-timer after receiving a pass from Finlay Klippenstein, putting the North Stars up 2-1.
“He’s been wanting one of those for a while and, as you can see, he let it off and put that one home. You could see the relief coming from him there. That was a big one, and I’m sure there’ll be plenty more to come as the season goes on,” said Lamb.
credit: Kenneth Cheung
Linken Fisher added an insurance goal at the 11:25 mark, scoring five-hole from the slot for his first goal of the year to give the North Stars a 3-1 lead.
credit: Kenneth Cheung
After the Hawks pulled their goalie, Brody Guiltner capitalized with an empty-net goal to make it 4-1. It was also Guiltner’s first goal in the SJHL.
“He still earned it, though. They had to make a play in the defensive zone and get that puck out. So, great job by him, and hopefully it’s a start to many more,” said Lamb.
Final score: 4-1 North Stars
With the victory, the North Stars earned their first win of the season, while the Hawks fell to 0-2-0-0.
The North Stars return to action Sept. 25 when they head to Humboldt for a divisional clash with the Broncos.
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