Northstars off to NCHL final

The Daysland Northstars travelled to Big Valley for game three in the best-of-five series. The Northstars had a 2-0 series lead and clinched the berth in the final with a 3-2 win over the Oil Kings.

The Stars out shot the Oil Kings 44-21 with Andy Sinclair picking up the win for the Daysland. The goaltenders came up with some big stops, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats.

Daysland was first on the scoreboard on a goal by Kurtis Ross, from Karson French and Dustin Nahajowich. Just a minute later Daysland went up by two on a power-play goal by Tanner Erickson, from Mitchell Gartner and Zachary Soprovich.

The Oil Kings scored three minutes later, then another late in the period to make it a 2-2 contest after the first.

The second period was all Northstars as they dominated the play and outshot the Kings 16-4. Big Valley spent most of the period in the penalty box as their frustrations showed in undisciplined play.

Derek Wolbeck gave the Northstars the go-ahead-goal on the power play, from Colin Zimmer and David Jacobsen, mid-way in the second, to make it a 3-2 score for Daysland.

There was no scoring in the third period; the shots were even on net with Sinclair coming up with some incredible stops to send the Northstars to the NCHL final series. There they will face-off against Bonnyville in the best-of-five finals.

Bonnyville swept Tofield 3-0 to advance in the North Division.

Bonnyville finished with the most points overall and will have home ice advantage in the finals.

Game one is slated for March 5 in Bonnyville, game two will be in Daysland, with game date and time to be announced this week.

Jae Robbins
Staff Reporter