The Battlefords Sharks started the 2011-12 exhibition season Sunday at the Civic Centre, as they hosted the skilled Saskatoon Stars.
It was the first game action for the Sharks, while the Stars had played two previous games. The score went in favour of the team with more game experience, as the Stars skated to an 18-1 win.
The Sharks did show signs of potential and scored a shorthanded goal in the final minute of the third period. Jamie Fedler hooked up with Delaney Ross to get the Sharks on the board.
The Sharks have their roster set and are ready to move forward with the season, as 14 skaters and two goalies have committed to the team.
Returning players include Fedler, Ross, Tori Bonnett, Taylor Durocher, Kendra Gerbig, Raianna Kelly, Shania Rhinehart, Shayna Thomas, Rachel Trach, Justine Villeneuve and goalie Jacy Akre. The Sharks' list of rookies includes girls' ranging from 13 to 17. Charly Bear and Sydney David are both in their final year of midget hockey while Malory Roy is a first year midget player and Jetta Derenoski and goalie Rachel Mitchell are both bantam age.
With some polish, the Sharks could have some offensive flare and a solid defensive core, resulting in what many around the team feel should bring their winless streak, which stretches back to October 2009, to an end.
The Sharks will finish the exhibition season with games Friday in Prince Albert and Saturday in Saskatoon. The regular season starts Oct. 1 for the Sharks with six straight home games, as they host Melville Oct. 1 and 2, Notre Dame Oct. 22 and 23 and Regina Nov. 12 and 13.
