The Norman Northstars are no closer to emerging from the Manitoba Midget "AAA" League basement after their Friday night affair with the Winnipeg Wild.

 

The Northstars started strong in the first period and had a few chances, but it didn't take long for the Wild to take over the game.

 

Eric Fawkes scored his 29th goal of the season at the halfway mark of the opening frame, and it was all Winnipeg after that. Kaden Byrant and Luke Seremet would also add goals for the Wild in the first, who lead 3-0 at the intermission.

 

The second-place Wild continued to dominate in the second, scoring four times in the first ten minutes. Mitchell Joss had three, while Kyle Bettens and Bryant added the other two. The third period was more of the same, with Winnipeg putting up seven. The final score was 15-0.

 

Joe Kraus, Mathew Shatsky and Mason Waite were the only Wild skaters without points in the game. Joss led the way with 6 points (4G, 2A), while Bryant, Fawkes and Bettens each had four-point performances. Nine other Winnipeg players had multi-point games.

 

The only mark the Northstars made on the score sheet was in the penalty department, picking up 14 minutes on seven penalties.

 

Keian Weseen played the entire game for the NorMan squad, stopping 44 of 59 shots for a .746 save percentage and his 18th loss of the season. "AP" call-up Skylar Szocs watched the game from the bench as the back-up goaltender with Braedin Melsted still injured.

 

Despite the lopsided score, there were a few bright spots for the Northstars. The top line of Sheldin Howard, Jamie Valentino and Hunter Rambow continued to look good, getting a handful of scoring chances and pinning the powerhouse Wild in their own zone most times they were on the ice.

 

Frederick Ledoux was another bright spot for the NorMan squad, giving his team a chance to score on a few occasions and never letting Winnipeg have a chance to organize.

 

The two teams will play again tonight, once again in the G.B. Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30pm.