Here is the challenge. If the Battlefords North Stars play with discipline and stay out of the penalty box, they have a very good chance of repeating as the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champions. Although the sample size is small, their record thus far is not just by random chance. With eight wins, and only one overtime loss, they have shown the desire to be champions. Now, if they stay healthy, and are aggressive within the rules, they will make themselves proud as a band of brothers by the end of the campaign.
The addition of new coach and general manager, Brandon Heck, in addition to assistant coach Boyd Wakelin, has appeared to be a stroke of genius. These two individuals have steadied the ship and the players seem to be responding to their new leadership. Heck and Wakelin will represent the club in the community with class and competence.
When the schedule was released prior to the season, it was surprising to see the North Stars would be playing a dearth of games in the early part of the campaign. In addition, all of the initial games were to be played at home with a few games in Saskatoon at the SJHL Showcase – and by the way, if you ever get a chance to view the games at the Showcase in subsequent seasons, they are highly recommended. It was imperative the North Stars win the majority of their initial games. The club has exceeded those expectations. More importantly they are coming together as a hockey team with increasingly stronger play on the front and back ends
The goaltending of Taryn Kotchorek and Kolby Matthews has been impressive. There have been a few lapses. However, when important saves were needed at timely points in the games, this pairing has come through with sparkling play. With a recent upper body injury to Kotchorek, Matthews had the opportunity to show his talents in games against the Melfort Mustangs and Flin Flon Bombers. He came through with flying colours and has thus shown the North Stars have two quality goalies. Both will be counted on to play with focus in each game. Kotchorek has shown he has the mental ability to handle a high workload. Matthews’ play has shown he may well be able to possess that same desire to play well for his teammates during every outing.
The North Stars continue to have eight valuable defensemen on the roster. Cody Spagrud and Levi Kleiboer continue to be the best defensive pairing in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. They know where each other is at all times and make beautiful passes and rushes up the ice. The North Stars fans are so blessed to be able to witness their dedication to excellence. It is apparent that Conor Jensen is playing with a much higher degree of confidence this season and has been solid with his defensive play, and has recently ventured more into the opposition zone. Connor Manegre’s play has been superb and has played with a greater amount of maturity as he has been staying out of the penalty box. This, in turn, has helped his club immensely. These four veterans have taken it upon themselves to help our younger defense corps to learn how to play in the SJHL. Matthew Fletcher, Brandon Armstrong, Anthony Cuglietta, and Connor Smith have been earned their playing time. This bodes well for the club during the current and future seasons.
A concern at the beginning of the season was that the North Stars would not be able to provide consistent scoring production throughout the lineup. However, in recent games, there have been signs that that may not be as much of a concern as originally thought. The line of Keith Anderson, Connor McIntosh, and Troy Gerein have been consistent and may very well continue to be a strong unit. They are an aggressive line and not many opponents would want to compete with them on a nightly basis. Anderson has shown that he has good hands and a capacity to score goals. His adaptation to a style which demands that he not spend many minutes in the sin bin has improved, and he will be a valuable contributor on the ice for the North Stars. McIntosh shows desire on each shift and provides excellent size up front. As mentioned earlier in the season, Troy Gerein is the heart and soul of North Star hockey. He will need to play with more discipline as he is a leader on the ice. Once that occurs, he will also become more productive in an offensive manner. Troy provides a degree of leadership that will help his younger teammates know what it takes to play winning hockey.
During the most recent game versus the Flin Flon Bombers, a new line emerged that showed a glimpse of their greatness in terms of their positive two-way play. Owen Lamb, Blake Fennig, and Ryan Gil were very impressive and showed plenty of desire. Gil scored his first SJHL goal in his initial game in the League. All three will need to continue to skate with vigour on each shift. That will eventually promote consistent play and, likely, greater offensive output.
Josh Sielsky and Matthias Urbanski have been flying as of late. Their play has put fans in first class seating. Both are excellent skaters and have shown hustle on each shift. It is a guarantee they will be top flight contributors as the season progresses. Chaseton Braid has been a super addition. He is a smart hockey player and exhibits strong positional play. Chaseton will be a strong leader for the club in his final year of eligibility. Elijah Loon Stewardson and Jacob Tibbats are getting acclimatized to the SJHL. Their play will improve with continued desire to improve and compete in the tough areas. Tre Doyon has yet to play in the regular season due to injury.
The line of Layne Young, MacGregor Sinclair, and Dakota Huebner has slowed down slightly after a quick start to the season. This was to be expected as other teams adapted to playing them tough. However, recently, they have begun to find the net more frequently. Huebner is an exciting talent who is very creative with the puck. Sinclair is so intelligent and is a solid two-way player. Finally, Layne Young. He has learned to fight his way through tight checking as he has been the focus of the opposition. However, he continues to score and assist his teammates. In addition, as Captain, he has shown top rate leadership. Layne is just a quality young man who exudes respect from all of his brothers on the club.
And then there is the missing link, Tre Doyon. Tre has not been in the line-up thus far due to injury. With his experience, he will be a valuable addition once he eventually becomes healthy and gets in to game shape.
The Battlefords North Stars are a strong hockey club. The leadership provided by Brandon Heck and Boyd Wakelin appears to have been just what the doctor ordered. Bottom line, they are respectful people who represent the Club well with class and dignity. Athletic Therapist/Trainer, Rachelle Matisz, continues to be the backbone of the club! Without Rachelle, the MASH Unit becomes dysfunctional!
The North Stars veteran leadership group on the ice has proved to be excellent. They will need to continue nurturing their younger mates and show the maturity that is essential for success. As stated previously, if they play disciplined hockey they will compete for the championship and very well could be repeat champions. They will need to play each shift with the will of a champion. During a game, whether they are winning or losing, if they continue to beat down the opposition with disciplined physical play, their WILL will prevail. Break their will to play, and they will be the victors.
The season is young, but if they continue to play with controlled reckless abandon, the North Stars will have the Civic Centre hopping for the duration of the season. There is nothing more exciting in this City than a North Star game. Wear – or buy – your North Star apparel and show your appreciation and loyalty to the club. It certainly is time to … shake, rattle, and roll.
Submitted by Garnet Elmer and Ashlyn Elmer – she’s just a superb daughter.
And thanks to the Great State of Minnesota for providing the Jensens and the tasty Minnesota Vikings M & M treats. I like the purple ones best, myself!
