Watching from the stands, the Battlefords North Stars veterans were growing anxious waiting for their chance to play in the exhibition action.
Wednesday, most of them drew into the lineup and didn't disappoint.
"I thought they played well for the most part tonight for their first game," said North Stars coach and general manager Ken Pearson following the teams' 4-3 win.
The North Stars grabbed some momentum after killing off an early minor penalty, but Kindersley's top players connected on a powerplay six minutes later. John Calkins fired a quick shot by Kyle Birch short side to take a 1-0 lead.
The North Stars found themselves on a powerplay minutes later and came within an inch of tying the game, as Dillon Forbes fired a shot off the post. After a few more good scoring chances at both ends the first period ended 1-0.
In the second period, Dominic Perrault set the tone with a big body check on Tanner Kissick. Minutes later, the North Stars scored their first goal of the game. Following some good work down low a quick pass was sent in front of the net and one timed home by Calder Neufeld. Older brother Shay Neufeld and Josh Daley drew the assists on the goal.
Kindersley had another powerplay opportunity two minutes after the tying goal, but some good work by Shayne Morrissey and Boyd Wakelin spoiled that powerplay chance.
After two periods, the teams were tied 1-1 with The North Stars outshooting the Kippers 23-19.
Calder Neufeld broke the tie early in the third period, as he skated off the sideboards and wristed a shot by the glove of Justin McDonald. Calder's second of the game was assisted by Shay Neufeld and Daley once again.
Kindersley looked to tie the game the next shift, but Birch made a great pad save on a cross crease pass to keep his team in the lead.
Kindersley tied the game later with their second powerplay goal of the game and it was their most dangerous forward scoring the goal. Andrew Dommett went bar down with a wrist shot from the high slot.
The Battlefords responded to the Kindersley goal and took the lead as Perrault's point shot was deflected by Kyle Hall on a North Stars' powerplay.
At 5:46, Kindersley tied the game at 3-3 with a goal by Beau Taylor on a weak backhand.
Kindersley pushed for go-ahead-goal two minutes later, but Birch made a game saving pad save off the Klippers' rush. The puck was kicked out and eventually moved to Nathan Tomac who moved down his off-wing and fired a wrist shot that beat McDonald.
Birch made one more big save, this time on a breakaway by Riley Down, and the North Stars hung on for their first win of the pre-season.
"I thought he played well - he did what he is supposed to do," said Pearson of his veteran goalie. "Overall Birchy was Birchy."
Along with the strong goaltending from the veteran, who faced 43 shots, several forwards had a strong game including Shay Neufeld, who picked up three assists, one on the game winner.
"After watching two games the veteran were getting the itch to get into the lineup," said Shay Neufeld. "This was the real thing. I thought a lot of veterans showed some leadership tonight and maybe showed some of the younger guys what they can do to crack this squad."
The younger guys he referred to filled the roster Tuesday night when the North Stars hosted the Humboldt Broncos. Neither team dressed a returning player and the Broncos earned the 8-5 win. Cody Antos, who didn't play Wednesday night, led the North Stars' offence with two goals. Morrissey had a goal and two assists, Joel Blaquiere, who was released after the game, had a goal and an assist and Tim Rollins, who didn't dress Wednesday, had the other goal. Blair Mahon was in net for the North Stars and allowed seven goals, despite a strong first 30 minutes of the game.
The North Stars now head out for a three-game road trip with two games in Dauphin, Man. and one in Yorkton.
Pearson confirmed the team is taking 23 skaters on the road trip and three goalies remain in the picture - Birch, injured Graham Hildebrand and Garrett Montour.
The next time fans will see the North Stars will be the home opener Sept. 18.
