According to the coaching staff, it wasn't a lack of effort by the Battlefords Midget Stars that resulted in a 5-2 loss Tuesday at the hands of the Saskatoon Contacts. A ton of penalties, which led to four powerplay goals, was ultimately the demise of the Stars, who dropped to 6-13-1-0 and are in 10th in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League.
Dallan Walker played in his first game back since a shoulder injury nearly a month ago and scored the game's first goal. Robin Yew assisted on Walker's second of the season.
Austin Calladine evened the score with two minutes left in the first period.
In the second, Nick Eliason and Tanner Tyndall scored back-to-back powerplay goals for the Contacts and they never relinquished the lead.
Jeff Olson scored later in the second from Colby Cave for his ninth of the season making it a 3-2 game after two periods.
The second period started a parade to the penalty box as 32 penalty minutes were given out including 18 on one play. One Saskatoon player was ejected for checking from behind.
The third period was more of the same, as Taylor Leier and Cody Pettapiece scored on the powerplay for the Contacts once again.
With no time left on the clock, the two teams started a scrum, which involved five players, four from the Battlefords. Dillon Forbes was penalized the most severely, as he received a roughing penalty, a misconduct and a match penalty for abuse of an official, which could lead to a suspension.
Regan Santoro was the losing goalie after facing 43 shots and it was Mark Shields winning with 33 saves.
The Contacts were 4/9 on the powerplay while the Stars were 0/7.
The Stars practiced Wednesday and hoped to have a short memory, as they were looking to get back on track Thursday in Beardy's. The Stars will also host the Notre Dame Argos Saturday and Sunday at the Civic Centre.
