The Battlefords North Stars head to Humboldt tonight to face the Broncos in their first road game of the season.
Humboldt is looking to get back in the win column after a loss last week to the Warman Wolverines, while the North Stars are aiming for a second straight victory after a 4-1 home win over the Nipawin Hawks.
“Found a little bit of success in a couple areas of the game. Just got to come back and get right back to it, put your foot back on the gas and really just execute,” said North Stars head coach and general manager Connor Logan.
“I’m excited to get on the bus, excited to get back to all these other rinks. Elgar, been there many, many times…back in the division here, the Nutrien Division, and just getting to work.”
Heading into the third game of the season, Logan is happy with the number of returning players but recognizes the differences in playing style from one season to the next.
“As much as there’s a big returning group, this team that we have in front of us this year is going to take on a different identity, different energy and a different style than last year’s team,” he said.
“Last year, we were very transition-rush based. I think we’re a little bit different this year in the sense that we play as a group, maybe a little bit quicker.”
Although there isn’t much to scout from their opponent’s games this season, Logan knows the kind of coach he is facing in former North Stars head coach Brayden Klimosko.
“Brayden’s a fantastic coach and certainly has garnered a reputation for having fast teams and teams that can play offensively. He’s won two championships, so I’m sure he has his group ready,” Logan said.
“It should be a good game. Like I said, Brayden’s a great coach, so we’re excited for the test, the challenge, and being on the road for the first time.”
Finlay Klippenstein leads the North Stars with one goal and two assists for three points in two games. The Broncos have a three-way tie for the team scoring lead, with Cody Farrell, Connor Miller and Oliver Phillips each recording one goal and one assist in two games.
In net, Nathan Claydon has started both games for the North Stars, posting a 2.07 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage. Matthew Bradley has started both games for the Broncos, recording a 4.00 goals-against average and an .890 save percentage.
The North Stars’ visit to the Broncos comes on the heels of Battlefords dealing forward Eric Marks to the Neepawa Titans of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League in exchange for a player development fee.
The Ultra Print pregame show begins at 7 p.m., with puck drop to follow for NAPA Auto Parts North Stars hockey on 93.3 Beach Radio.
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