North Stars prepping for first-place Broncos

“I think that we’re very similar teams,” Bedford said. “I think what’ll be the difference is the smaller areas of the game, which is making sure that special teams are better.

“If that isn’t the deciding factor it’s whoever wants it more than the other team. We’re going to go into the game with a physical mindset and we’re going to make sure that we do the little things right at blue lines and make sure we’re playing a safe game.”

On paper, however, the North Stars are at a slight disadvantage, at least for this particular contest, as defensive stalwart Connor Sych won’t play because of a four-game suspension handed down on Tuesday.

Sych was banned four games because of a hit to the head of Estevan Bruins forward Jake Fletcher in the North Stars 10-3 win over the Bruins. He was given a five-minute major and game misconduct on the play.

“You can’t replace a guy like that. It’s impossible,” Bedford said. “He’s probably underrated in terms of his ability as a big defenceman to move the puck and move his feet and make good plays and he’s smart and he’s physical.”

But Bedford said that without him, an opportunity for others emerges.

The North Stars have a deep blue-line, so this just presents an opening for others to make their mark.

“You get to see lots of character with hockey players when opportunity is on the table and it’s theirs to grab,” Bedford said. “I’m really confident in the six ‘D’ that we’ll have playing on Friday.”

One of those defencemen is Minnesota native Connor Jensen, who has only played three games this season due to injury.

“Jensen looked fantastic in practice [on Wednesday]. He looked like he hadn’t lost a beat,” Bedford said. “He’s a true hockey player. He does things in practice the right way and as a coach you feel more comfortable having guys like that on the ice in practice just because he leads by example and doesn’t take shortcuts and listens and does everything with a smile but does it with some intensity.”

While Jensen returns to the lineup Friday for first time since Oct. 4, Logan Nachtegaele won’t play because of a knee injury suffered in Saturday’s win over Estevan. He was on the receiving end of a knee-on-knee hit that saw Bruins defenceman Josh Rieger get a two game suspension.

Reed Delainey also left Saturday’s game after taking a high hit from Jake Fletcher.

Bedford said Delainey is doubtful, but could still play.

“We’re hoping for a good answer [Thursday] from his doctor as to whether he can play Friday but we’re kind of anticipating that he won’t be in the lineup,” Bedford said. “Knowing a kid like him, he wants to be in the lineup every day. I think if he has the capability of playing, he’ll play.”

Puck drop for NorSask North Stars radio is set for Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Ultra Print pre-game show hits the airwaves at 7:15 p.m. on CJNB/CJNS.

Nathan Kanter is battlefordsNOW’s sports reporter and voice of the Battlefords North Stars. He can be reached at Nathan.kanter@jpbg.ca or tweet him @NathanKanter11

by Nathan Kanter

North Stars prepping for first-place Broncos

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