The Battlefords North Stars are back at the Access Communications Centre for the first time in nearly three weeks tonight as they host the Weyburn Red Wings.
After a 4-0 loss to the Melfort Mustangs extended the North Stars’ losing streak to nine games, head coach and general manager Connor Logan said the team had discussed its identity.
“What kind of identity do we want to have every night? What’s the predictability of Battlefords as a team?” he said.
“I’m honestly the most confident today about the performance we’re going to have tonight.”
Despite the frustration of the losing streak, Logan said getting back to enjoying the game could help the North Stars improve their play.
“When you’re enjoying what you do out there, typically special things happen. So, getting back to having fun, enjoying it, enjoying what we do.”
The North Stars have struggled to get the puck to the middle of the ice, something Logan said the team has been working on.
“We didn’t generate nearly enough last game, but we’re working on it and having guys work through a process to start finding themselves in the right areas of the ice,” he said.
“We’re putting a layer upon layer process here to get ourselves back in a good spot. I think guys are thinking the game better today and enjoying themselves a little bit more. So, I think you’ll see a lot more of that today.”
Logan said he likes how his team matches up with the Red Wings.
“They try to play a certain way with the puck and I like that. We try to do the same thing. So it should be a chess match,” he said.
“Just bring a jam tonight and bring in a lot of energy and just let the emotion of the game take it where it needs to take it.”
Both teams are on losing streaks, with the North Stars having lost nine straight and the Red Wings three.
Asked about the potential for riskier plays as both teams look for a win, Logan said playing tighter with the puck is a better approach.
“It’s a healthy thing, though, because it allows you to kind of strip things down, and you win and learn, right? Momentum is a big thing that’s been working against us, and we’re eager to push back against that and start working momentum in our own favour.”
The Ultra Print pregame show begins at 7 p.m. on CJNB/CJNS, with puck drop for NAPA Auto Parts North Stars hockey at 7:30 p.m.
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