The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Yellowhead Chiefs came to town this past weekend to try their luck against the NorMan Northstars. Missing their captain, out with a broken knee cap, it looked to be an ideal opportunity for the Northstars to capitalize on the Chiefs' loss. Saturday night at the CA Nesbitt Arena proved to be all Northstars as they never gave up a two goal lead throughout the contest. At the second intermission, the Stars led 4-1. The fans were treated to a five goal period as the Chiefs made a charge scoring three times in the third. The D-men of the north stepped up however, with Calvin Cairns of Snow Lake getting his first as a Northstar and Tanner Korchinski finishing any hopes for the Chiefs to catch up. Kyle Stephansson, Dougie Mcleod and Jon Mowatt hit the score sheet with goals for the Northstars. Sunday, proved to be a different battle for the Northstars. With Brent Willows in net for the Chiefs, the task of scoring became much more difficult than the night before. The Chiefs hit the board first and the Northstars were on their heels. With traffic in front of Willows, Jordan Crone managed to bang one in past the tender to end the period in a 1-1 tie. The second proved to be just as difficult as the Chiefs went ahead again, beating Josh Kozar. Cole Williams from The Pas planted himself in front of the crease and again beat Willows. The Northstars scrambled with the puck later in the second, only to give the Chiefs another goal. Crone was not done scoring yet as he poked one past Willows to tie up the period. Mcleod scored at the mid way point to give the Northstars their first lead of the game. Late in the third, the Northstars scrambled in their own end to allow the equalizer. Nothing was decided in the overtime period. For the fifth time this season, the Northstars went into a shootout. This was the first shoot out that tender, Kozar had experienced this season. The Chiefs shot first and was denied by Kozar. Kajon Mckay was to shoot first for the Northstars but was also denied by Willows. The next round of shooters saw the Chiefs blocked one more time by Kozar. Corey Dupre was next to shoot but could not beat the 'tender. The Chiefs would score on their next attempt making it a do or die situation for the lone shooter for the Northstars. Jeff English of Thompson was last to shoot but could not beat Willows. The Northstars lost their fourth shootout this season. Crone was named Player of the Game and Korchinski received Crunch of the Game. The Northstars walked away with three of four points but were disappointed without the sweep. The loss does not affect the standings in any way, as it looks like they are locked into fourth and will have a home series of playoffs against the Interlake Lightening. The next visitors to arrive in Thompson will be the undefeated Winnipeg Thrashers. Korman hopes their egg will be cracked by the team from the North. There is no love lost between these two teams or between the coaches for that matter. The first weekend of February will be a busy one for Thompson as they are hosting the Manitoba AAA Midget All-star game as well as tryouts for the 13-year-old development camp, Directors Cup and POE. The All-star game is expected to attract at least 1,100 fans, so get your tickets early if you plan to attend. The All-star committee has a mine tour planned for Saturday as well as a luncheon before the game. The awards and banquet will be held after the games where the All-star players will receive a video of the game, their jersey and t-shirts commemorating their experience at a Northern All-star Weekend. If you are looking for information or tickets to the All-star game, visit www.northstars.com. Go Northstars!!
