More changes are coming for the Battlefords North Stars.
North Stars head coach and general manager Ken Pearson isn't hitting the panic button just yet, but said he will be making more roster changes to get down to a more manageable number and after three straight losses it appears to be the perfect time.
The North Stars had a week between games and started a bit rusty in Kindersley Wednesday. They also didn't compete in the final 15 minutes and surrendered the 6-5 loss.
"Our unwillingness to complete in our own end was our final undoing," said Pearson.
For the second straight game the North Stars allowed four goals in the third period and blew a lead, suffering a 6-5 loss.
In the first period, Blake Tatchell scored for the North Stars from Colin Phaneuf, but that was countered by a powerplay goal by Kindersley's Taylor Duzan.
Graham Hildebrand was busy in the first facing 21 shots and keeping the game tied 1-1 after 20 minutes.
"He played good, no doubt about it, especially early in the game," said Pearson of Hildebrand's play Wednesday.
Kindersley went ahead on a D Jay McGrath goal four minutes into the second.
Brody Luhning responded for the North Stars, as he continued to be an offensive threat from the blue-line scoring his fourth of the season on a powerplay, unassisted.
Keith Grondin put the North Stars in front four minutes later, as he netted his fourth of the season from Tatchell and Cade Kimery.
The Battlefords led 3-2 heading into the final 20 minutes.
Two goals in the first five minutes by Travis Cech and Tatchell had the North Stars in front 5-2.
Cech's first goal of the season came in his first game as a North Star after being acquired from the Dauphin Kings in exchange for the rights to Louis Labbe last week. Boyd Wakelin and Luhning had the helpers.
Tatchell's second of the game was his eighth of the season and he scored unassisted.
Kindersley scored four unanswered goals, one by McGrath, one by Duzan and two by Braeden Adamyk to steal the win.
"It comes down to each individual player and line," said Pearson. "They have to out work the guy they are out against. Last night, their top line played against our supposed top line and their top line scored three goals against ours. Yeah, our guys had three earlier in the game and one in the third, but they just weren't willing to compete and battle for the full 60. For 40 minutes we played a pretty good road game."
The North Stars will look to refocus and break the three-game losing streak while they play host to Nipawin Saturday and Melfort Sunday. Although Nipawin are a point back of the North Stars in Bauer Conference standings, Pearson didn't want to put too much emphasis on the game, saying it is just another two points and it won't make or break the North Stars' season. He would like to see his team improve their complete level and intensity and is hopeful that will results in wins.
For some players, Saturday could be the final chance to make their mark on the team, as Pearson expects to cut his roster by two forwards, one defenceman and one goalie in the upcoming weeks.
During the break, along with the addition of Cech, Pearson made a move, which saw Brandon Esposito dropped from the roster. Esposito had one assist and six penalty minutes in eight games.
Time will tell, who will be sticking around and if the North Stars can put the first third of the season behind them and make a charge in the Bauer Conference.
