NORTH BATTLEFORD, SK – The Yorkton Terriers couldn’t overcome a difficult opening period on Saturday night, falling 6-1 to the Battlefords North Stars at the Access Communications Centre.
The Terriers found themselves playing catch-up early, as the North Stars struck four times in the opening twenty minutes to take a commanding 4-0 lead.
Will Kirwan opened the scoring for the home side with his second goal of the season before Braydon Franks and Michiel Leenders added goals to quickly put the Dogs in a three-goal hole.
Following the third goal, the Terriers made a change between the pipes, as Andrew Shimon entered in relief of Brady Low to make his Terriers debut.
The North Stars continued to capitalize on their opportunities, as Carter Geysen added his second goal of the campaign to extend the lead to 4-0.
Despite the difficult start, the Terriers generated plenty of offensive chances, outshooting Battlefords 18-15 in the opening frame.
Yorkton was unable to capitalize on three power-play opportunities while successfully killing off the North Stars’ lone chance with the man advantage.
The North Stars continued to build on their lead in the middle frame, as Finlay Klippenstein scored his sixth goal of the season to extend Battlefords’ advantage to 5-0.
Both teams had opportunities with the man advantage, but neither could capitalize as the North Stars carried a five-goal lead into the second intermission.
The Terriers finally broke through early in the third period, as Alex Morrison buried his eighth goal of the season on the power play, with Xavier Madore and Dylan Brass picking up the assists.
However, the North Stars responded just over a minute later, as Klippenstein netted his second of the night to restore Battlefords’ five-goal cushion.
Yorkton had additional opportunities on the power play but couldn’t close the gap, as the North Stars skated away with a 6-1 victory.
Shimon finished his Terriers debut with 18 saves in relief.
Despite Saturday’s setback, the Terriers can take plenty of positives from their northern road swing, collecting six of a possible eight points with three victories in four games.
After an extended stretch away from home, the Dogs will finally return to the friendly confines of the Soak Zone Arena on Tuesday night when they welcome the Melfort Mustangs.
