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The Battlefords North Stars looked a lot different on the weekend, as they had a interim head coach behind the bench and five affiliated players suit up when they took on the second place Notre Dame Argos.

Friday's practice was a bit of surprise for the Stars' players, as head coach Martin Smith was noticeably absent and board member David George was in charge on an emergency bases.

Smith was relieved of his duties part way through his third season with the team.

"It is disappointing," said Smith, "coaches are hired to be fired."

Coming into the season their was high optimism that this team was a playoff contender.

"We (the Battlefords Stars board members) and Martin had high expectations this season," said board chairperson Bruce Yockey.

After selecting a young team last year Smith, the board members, players and parents had visions of a playoff contender in the Battlefords this season. To this point few would argue the team hasn't under achieved and that was the reason for the discussion and decision to let Smith go. Yockey and the board still believe this team has the talent to be a playoff contender and they are hoping a change can provide spark needed to make a run.

"Martin is a good guy to work for and it was tough pill to swallow," said Stars' trainer Billie Choque, who remains with the team as well as assistant coaches Derek Schmidt and Derek Keller, for now.

After the Stars lost 14-0 to Beardy's, a team sitting with only two more wins then the Stars at the time, and a month after the parents held a meeting to discuss the team's issues and struggles, it appeared to be a good of time to make a coaching change, especially since the Stars hosted the Argos on the weekend.

"We don't think Martin is solely responsible for the disappointing record, but we felt it was time to make a change," said Yockey.

Smith understands the board's decision and agrees with Yockey's thoughts, saying the team needs to focus on the team attitude and not worry so much about personal stats at times. As well, the consistency of the team play isn't where it needs to win games.

As for what Smith will do now - he plans to spend more time with his four daughters, saying he has spent the last two and half years watching 20 players grow and he will now do that with his family. As well, he will lace up the skates with the Edam Three Stars senior hockey team.

As for the hockey action on the weekend, the Stars lost their third and fourth straight games.

Saturday, the Argos won 4-0 with Blair Mahon in net for loss. Mahon stopped 35 shots, while his team generated 20 at the other end.

Saturday, the Stars dressed Drew Sodenberg as an affiliated player, who was filling the spot of Dillon Forbes, who was suspended for a month after he received a match penalty for abuse of an official. Days after being released from the Stars, Smith continued to work for on the appeal for the Forbes' suspension and is hopeful it will be reduced. Smith believes Forbes never did what he was accused of last week in Saskatoon during a scrum at the end of the 5-2 loss to the Contacts.

Sunday, the Stars dressed affiliated players, Joel Blaquerie, Kylar Hope, Zack Nedelec and Carter Amson, as they had another regular, Cody Thiel, suspended one game for a fight in the final 10 minutes of Saturday's game.

Despite more players at interim coach George's disposal, the result was similar Sunday, as the Stars lost 7-1.

Jeff Olson was the lone goal scorer on the weekend with his team leading 10th of the season from Dylan Fluter and Ryne Keller.

Regan Santoro made 47 saves in the loss while the Stars fired 24 shots at the Argos' net.

Yockey says the board planned to meet Monday night and hoped to have a new coach in place this week in time for two home games Saturday and Sunday against Moose Jaw.