The Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings were hoping to close out their trip to the Battlefords with two more points, after falling 4-3 in a shootout Friday night to the North Stars. Despite the efforts of Jerome Maharaj, who scored a pair of goals, the Red Wings would end up on the short end of the scoreboard, losing 5-3.
The North Stars would be the first to get on the board when Josh Medernach beat Eric Kahl just 1:38 into the first period, but Weyburn would answer back.
Jerome Maharaj notched his ninth of the season with 5:48 left to play in the period to even things up. The power play goal was assisted by Tyler Teasdale.
In the second period, the North Stars would regain the lead as their power play would click. Hunter Burgeson scored 6:23 into the middle frame, putting the home team back in front.
Then, with 6:25 to go in the period, both benches would lose a player thanks to penalties. Weyburn's Dallen Oxelgren collided with Battlefords' forward Kian Bell as he came across the blue line. Easton Rask of the North Stars took exception to the hit and jumped Oxelgren. As a result of the ensuing melee, both players would get a five-minute major for fighting and game misconduct, while Rask was also assessed a two-minute minor for instigating the fight.
The Red Wings would be unable to capitalize on the power play that resulted, but shortly after, the North Stars did add another power play goal as Tanner Gold scored with 3:36 remaining in the second to make it 3-1.
The lead would open up to 4-1 early in the third when Rylan Williams scored 93 seconds into the third period, The Red Wings, though, were determined to close the game.
Teasdale would pull Weyburn within two 2:45 into the final period, assisted by Elijah Anderson. Then, Maharaj netted his second of the game while the Red Wings were shorthanded with 6:25 to go in the period.
The North Stars would answer back, though, widening the gap to 5-3 when Jordan Grill scored a power play goal with 5:13 remaining.
With the loss, the Red Wings are now tied with the Estevan Bruins for the top spot in the Viterra Division, each team with 20 points.
The next games for Weyburn will now be at the SJHL Showcase, held in Warman. The Red Wings open up the Showcase Monday afternoon against the Flin Flon Bombers. They then play their second game of the Showcase on Thursday afternoon, closing out the four-day event with a game against the North Stars.
Weyburn will get the chance to return to Crescent Point Place on Friday when they host the Kindersley Klippers.