By COLBY STOESZ
The U18AA Martensville Marauders are riding a wave, beating the North West Stars 4-2 on Sunday, January 19 for their seventh consecutive victory. The home Marauders had their opponent against the ropes for all 60 minutes, outshooting the Stars 57-24 across the contest.
Martensville took control of the game right out of the gates. Parker Livingstone scored less than a minute into the game, grabbing his 37th point of the season with help from Tyson Janzen and Brayden Skene. The Stars scored on the man advantage a few minutes later, but the Marauders would not relinquish the lead for long. Kohen Pierce scored his 15th of the season, assisted by Clark Goebel, to give Martensville a 2-1 cushion after one period of play.
The Marauders continued their barrage in the second period, adding two more goals to their tally. Hunter Jaeb scored with aid from Pierce, and Janzen grabbed a goal of his own helped by Wyatt LaRoche and Skene. After 40 minutes, Martensville led the Stars 4-1.
Martensville dominated the final frame on the shot tally, sending 21 tries at the opposing goaltender compared to the Stars’ 5 attempts. Despite the heavy discrepancy, the Stars claimed the lone score of the period, and they scored another power-play goal with under two minutes to play. It was too late an effort for the visitors, as the Marauders won the match 4-2.
Josh Olson patrolled the crease for the Marauders, stopping 22 of 24 shots sent his way. His stellar record remains intact after picking up his 10th victory between the pipes on the season.
Sunday’s win marks Martensville’s 19th, keeping them on top of the Centre Four division standings. Each victory remains crucial as the playoffs rapidly approach in March.