It still remains to be seen where exactly the Battlefords Stars will fit in the grand scheme things as the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League season gets underway this weekend.
However, if the early returns are any indication, the team should make it back to the post-season after missing out on the playoffs this past winter.
Heading into their final pre-season game Sunday at 2 p.m. when they’ll host the Alberta Midget Hockey League’s Lloydminster Bobcats at the Civic Centre, the Stars have had strong showings in 5-2 and 8-2 home wins over the Saskatoon Contacts and the Beardy’s Blackhawks.
“We’ve got some guys that can score and we got some guys that have got skill,” Stars head coach Norm Johnston said.
“I’m pretty happy with the way we’re going to score goals, but the defensive side of the puck is going to drive me crazy, so we’re going to work on that going forward.”
The Stars will be showcasing a different style of play this season, as Johnston wants the team to have more of a focus on puck possession.
“We don’t want to dump and chase,” Johnston said. “You can practice puck possession, but that’s not against anybody. As soon as they have opposition, then they get scrambly and don’t know where the puck is.
“Our defensive play is going to be a work in progress all winter long. We’re not offensively challenged, but we’re offensively greedy. As such, we want to score, and sometimes we don’t come back hard enough.”
The forward group has been strengthed during the summer, especially with the additions of Matt Allardyce and Ty Mossiman from the Swift Current Legionnaires and the Prince Albert Mintos respectively.
“We have lots of speed and lots of skill all around the ice,” Allardyce said. “Everyone on the team can move the puck around really well.”
The one question mark on the roster is with returning scorer Adam Beckman, as the Saskatoon forward has signed a contract with the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs and could make his debut with the team Friday night on the road against the Prince George Cougars.
“We’re not sure what we’ll do if he doesn’t come back,” Johnston said of Beckman, who is currently penciled in to play on a line with Mossiman and Damon McKenzie.
“If he stays in Spokane, we’ll have to look for another player, either from within our group or outside of it.”
In the game against the Contacts on Sept. 12, McKenzie led the way offensively with a pair of goals and an assist, while Allardyce scored twice and Mosimann had a goal and an assist in the win.
Goaltender Carter Serhyenko turned in a strong performance in goal as the 14-year-old Battlefords North Stars prospect made 32 saves.
“I thought I played well, but I could have done a little bit better with my rebound control and just controlling the game in general,” said Serhyenko, who will be celebrating his 15th birthday Sunday.
“It wasn’t too crazy fast out there for my first midget game. I’ve been with the U16 provincial camps as well this summer, so that’s helped me to get ready.”
Dylan Esau was dominant for the Stars when they faced the Blackhawks on Sept. 14, as he had a hat trick and dished out an assist.
Rookie forward Luke Fennig almost matched Esau’s feat as he found the back of the net twice and helped set up a goal.
Carsen Robertson, Ian Hillis and Allardyce also scored in the victory, which saw Tye Scherger and Logan Spence pick up two assists.
Returning netminder Joseph Young got the start goal in that game and turned aside 27 shots.
“If you want to see good goaltending, come watch Young and Serhyenko,” Johnston added.
The Stars will start their regular season schedule next Friday at 11 a.m. against the Notre Dame Hounds in Warman, which will be part of the SMAAAHL’s showcase tournament.
After taking on the Notre Dame Argos the following day, the Stars will go on the road to face the Swift Current Legionnaires on Saturday, Oct. 6.
Their home opener will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 14 against the Contacts.
