Stars' captain Jake Southgate, and Blues' captain Cam Garvey had a great back-and-forth going Saturday, battling it out throughout the game. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Now 1-1 in Round Robin

North Stars fall to Collingwood 3-1

May 13, 2023 | 4:27 PM

The Battlefords North Stars fell 3-1 to the Collingwood Blues Saturday afternoon, in their second game of round robin play at the Centennial Cup.

Steven Kesslering scored the Stars’ lone goal of the game, on the deflection of a Tanner Gold shot from the blue line, while Josh Kotai stopped 31/34 Blues’ shots to keep the game tight throughout.

Blues’ goalie Noah Pak was also very sharp, stopping 36/37 shots on the day, including a number of high-quality saves on chances by Jake Southgate cutting to the front of the goal, Kian Bell from close range with the tip of the glove, and Keiton Klein on a pair of rocket one-timers on the power play.

A goaltender’s dual through much of the contest, the lone goal through 40 minutes was scored by Blues’ captain Cam Garvey with just 6:28 to go in the first. Mark McIntosh set up the play, forcing a turnover just inside the Stars’ blue line, firing a shot off the end-boards that Garvey pounced on off the carom, to rifle home for the 1-0 Collingwood lead on his first of the tournament.

Despite 26 shots through the first two periods – including a game-high 15 in the second frame alone – the Stars would be unable to break through until the third, after Ayden Dooley stretched the Blues’ lead to 2-0 on a solo rush up ice by the blue liner.

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Kesslering scored the Stars’ answer just three minutes after the Collingwood insurance goal, serving as his second of the tournament and third point through two games. The tally again gave the Stars a spark to continue their push until the final minutes of regulation.

Saturday’s game featured a playoff-like feel, with neither team giving an inch for much of the game. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

The backbreaker was Spencer Young’s goal, converting on a 3-on-1 late in the third with the Stars pushing hard for the tie. Set up by Carter Diceman and Owen Sclisizzi, Young finished the play waltzing down the slot with a perfectly-placed wrister just inside the post, to make it 3-1 Collingwood late.

The loss marks the Stars’ first since Game 1 of the SJHL playoffs, back on Mar. 24.

Now with one regulation win and one regulation loss (1-0-1-0) through their opening two games of the round robin, the Stars sit middle of the pack in their pool with three points. Collingwood lead the pool with one regulation win and one overtime win (1-1-0-0) for five points, while Portage are tied with the Stars at three points having won their lone game played (1-0-0-0).

The Battlefords still sit ahead of Steinbach who have a regulation loss and overtime loss (0-0-1-1) for one point, and Kam River who have one regulation loss heading into their second game (0-0-1-0) for zero points so far.

The Stars will get a day off Sunday before returning to play for their final two games ahead of the playoff rounds. The Stars will play the host Portage Terriers Monday evening, and the Manitoba Junior Hockey League champion Steinbach Pistons Tuesday, with both games available on 1050 CJNB.

The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin both nights at 6 p.m. Sask time, with puck drop at 6:30 p.m. on the NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast.

Scoring summary

First period:

13:32 COL Cam Garvey (1) ASST: Mark McIntosh 1-0 Blues

Second period:

No scoring

Third period:

4:34 COL Ayden Dooley (1) ASST: Owen Sclisizzi 2-0 Blues

8:59 BAT Steven Kesslering (2) ASST: Tanner Gold, Alex Izyk 2-1 Blues

17:26 COL Spencer Young (1) ASST: Carter Diceman, Owen Sclisizzi 3-1 Blues

3-1 Blues, the final

—

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1