The Battlefords North Stars host the Melville Millionaires tonight at the Civic Center. The Stars are now 0-6 on home ice and have lost 6 in a row overall. It’s hard to believe how much adversity this team is going through in the early going. But I still believe it’s a matter of time before it clicks into place and this team goes into a new gear. Having said that though…it does need to happen sooner rather than later.
This is the last game of the season between these two teams. The Mills have already won the season series with 2 wins and a shootout loss. Stars with a win though could split the victories 2-2 after a shootout win in Melville. Interesting isn’t it? The Mills are considered a surprise this season. A young team with lots of new faces playing better than people expected and they’ve won 4 in a row. At the same time the Stars a an early season disappointment. They aren’t playing to the level that was expected so far but it’s still only the quarter pole of the season.
This is the nd of 4 straight at home for the Stars a stretch we thought might allow the North Stars to kick start their season. After tonight the Battlefords will head on a Southern road trip.
I think it has to be said that it is also time for guys to start taking a step forward. Carlson, Petrino, Evans, Reich, Forbes, Gosselin, Parker….guys with experience and lots of talent. This team is much better than their record and a great group of guys. I think it’s been obvious this season during the broadcasts that I am rooting for this team. I am becoming more and more of a “homer” this year. That’s in part because it’s such a likable group of young men and I know how hard they are working. But again, it’s time to step it up at least a notch. I REALLY hope they do it tonight.
By the way, Jake McMillen scored last night for his team at the World Junior A Challenge Team West selection camp. I haven’t seen Blake Young’s name pop up on the scoresheet yet though.
Some Keys for tonight:
1) Continue to battle – The North Stars are a hard working unit. They just need to string together a full 60 minute effort as they’ve shown that 50 minutes isn’t enough. And continue to keep their heads up and keep trying. They’ll will break though eventually.
2) Step up – As I mentioned above. It’s time to take a step forward. I know these guys are good enough. Maybe they just need to prove it to themselves.
3) Break the Mills – They’ve been on a roll winning 4 in a row. They’ve got guys on point streaks. They are playing well and are confident. The Stars need to break that good feeling as early as possible.
Stars Lineup:
Parker*
Martin
Fransoo – Lacoursiere*
Erickson – Schmidt
Gosselin – Charleson
Quinn – Keller – Forbes*
Fountain – Delainey – Leonenko
Bechtold – McColgan – Evans
Reich – Petrino – Heinrich
Scratches: Sheeran, Greenaway, Carlson, Young and McMillen
North Stars Beacon 
Hockeyfan
/ October 29, 2013Changes have to happen… There’s something wrong with this team. Not sure what it is but something has to change…. Frustrating to watch.