Following training camp in August, the Battlefords Midget Stars coach Martin Smith said he expected this to be the year the team turns it around and plays for a playoff spot.
After two pre-season games, more and more people are starting to think that could be a reality and that the rebuilding phase is hopefully over.
The Stars dressed 24 different players in the two pre-season games Friday and Saturday and both rosters put in a solid effort while the Stars lost in overtime and won the next day.
Friday in Saskatoon the Stars took on the Contacts. Regan Santoro was in net for the Stars and was solid making 25 saves in the 5-4 loss. The Contacts led 2-0 after the first period, but in the second Colby Daniels, one of the returning players Smith expects big things from, got the Stars' offence started. Daniels scored from Ryne Keller.
Eight minutes later, the Stars were shorthanded, but that didn't stop Justin Lund from scoring and tying the game. Daniels had the helper on the shorty.
In the third period, the teams traded goals with Drew Soderberg scoring from Carter Amson and Robin Yew. Two minutes later, Dallan Walker scored from Blake Young and Eric Pfeifer.
After three complete periods, the Contacts and Stars were tied 4-4. The game went to overtime, but it didn't last long as the Contacts scored 20 seconds in to clinch the exhibition win.
The shots ended 30-30 and for the first game action of the season, the Stars' coaching staff was happy with the effort.
The next day, the Stars loaded up the bus and headed to Beardy's to take on the Blackhawks. Tyler Cockburn was in net for the Stars in this one and had a strong game with 21 saves.
The Stars struck first Saturday, as Walker scored an unassisted goal.
Beardy's scored 10 minutes later and the first ended 1-1.
In the second, Walker scored his second of the game from Keller. That lead was short-lived once again, as Beardy's scored to tie the game two minutes later.
Walker put his team up once more and they stayed in the lead for the rest of the game. Reece Fenrich and Keller assisted on Walker's hat trick marker.
One a powerplay in the second period, Dylan Fluter added an insurance goal with Regan Yew drawing the assist.
The Stars pressured Beardy's with 39 shots in the win as the Blackhawks used both Nate Ferris and Evan Hauber in net.
The process to finalize the Stars' roster continues with practices throughout the week and exhibition games Thursday at home against the Saskatoon Blazers, Sunday in Saskatoon against the Blazers and Sept. 22 at home against the Contacts.
