At times during the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League game Tuesday, the North Stars looked to be turning the corner, but that was not enough to beat Melfort and get in the win column.
Two players made their debuts Tuesday, as Josh Daley was traded to Dauphin, Man. for forwards Brandon Esposito and Keith Grondin earlier in the week.
Daley, the North Stars third leading point producer last season was traded after playing 61 games in the Battlefords.
The move comes as an attempt by Ken Pearson to change the culture of the team and get the North Stars winning. Shay and Calder Neufeld were also off the roster and awaiting trades this week.
As for the hockey game itself, there was no scoring in the first period and that was thanks in large part to Kyle Birch, who played his best game of the season Tuesday. He made 15 saves in the first period, three or four of which were on good scoring chances.
Early in the second, Tony Oak came out with two big hits trying to spark his team and was challenged by Justin Bardarson. After the spirited fight Melfort scored the game's first goal.
Jesse Mireau beat Birch, who was out challenging the shooter and the puck was moved to the open man for an easy tap in.
Later in the period on the powerplay, Melfort increased their lead with a Sean Aschim goal.
It was another 15 shots fired at Birch in the second period and his team trailed 2-0.
Early in the third period, the North Stars drew within a goal after Cody Antos scored on a nice deke in the slot. Woody Klassen had the assist on Antos' first goal as a North Star.
Melfort refused to rollover and were on the attack for the next 15 minutes. Birch was tested often and made several good saves, but was also bailed out by the post twice and allowed the insurance marker after a rebound was shot into the net by Stef Harrington.
With 2:27 left, the North Stars' pulled the goalie looking to tie the game, but Charles Corsi, the former Dartmouth NCAA Div. I goalie, turned away all the North Stars' chances.
Birch was the games first star with 43 saves while Corsi made 26 for the win.
The North Stars penalty kill was better killing 4/5, but the powerplay was 0/6 and ultimately their Achilles Heal Tuesday.
Friday, the North Stars get another chance to get that first win when La Ronge come to the Civic Centre.
Pearson said everyone is frustrated, but right now he might be the most frustrated person in the North Stars' dressing room. He hopes the return of Graham Hildebrand is the momentum shift his team has been waiting for.
"We aren't that far off," said the North Stars' head coach and general manager.
