Layne Young opened the scoring late in the first period and later added an empty-net goal for the Battlefords North Stars in a 3-0 win over the Chilliwack Chiefs that keeps Battlefords’ hopes alive for advancing.
The game-winner off Young’s stick came with just under three minutes to go in the first and was the only scoring until the third when Keaton Holinaty added an unassisted goal for insurance.
Young’s empty-netter came with 39 seconds to go in regulation.
Chilliwack dressed four affiliate players for the game and gave captain Jordan Kawaguchi the afternoon off. They also started affiliate goalie Mathieu Caron in net and he made 23 saves in the loss. Joel Gryzbowski made 22 saves for the shutout for Battlefords.
The win gives the North Stars four points in the WCC standings which moves them into third place for the moment.
The Portage Terriers and Penticton Vees play Thursday night at 7 p.m. and if either of those teams acquires even two points from the game, they would move back ahead of Battlefords.
