The Battlefords North Stars season has come to an end, but a college career is about to begin. Baxter Kanter has committed to the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point hockey team. The Pointers are a division three school based out of Wisconsin, playing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC). The Pointers recently beat St.Norbert to win their fifth national title in program history, after finishing in the year with an impressive 24-5-2 record.
Stevens Point will be getting a force on the puck and a fearless player who will create havoc in front of the net and with his body. Kanter was named the 2016 playoff MVP with the North Stars for his play away from the puck just as much as it was for his ability with the disc. In nine postseason games, Kanter posted two goals and four assists, while being a vital component to the teams’ energy line.
Playing with Logan Nachtegaele and Rory Davidson, Kanter possessed many intangibles and used his skillset to generate offence through his footwork and checking ability. In talking to Travis Harrington, the team’s goalie coach who works closely with the players, it isn’t only the 6’3” frame of the power forward that has catapulted him to the next level, but it is his ability to make the clean hit that renders him an effective player.
“Baxter was a presence for the North Stars in many ways,” head coach Kevin Hasselberg said in a press release. “His physical effort and relentless pursuit of the puck created time and space for his teammates.Baxter was a presence away from the rink with his honest and humble demeanor, consistently making time for fans, volunteers and supporters of the team. He was a pleasure to coach and will be a significant player with Stevens Point for the next four seasons.”
Kanter played two seasons with the North Stars, earning eight goals and 26 assists over 125 games played. In 2014-15, he was rewarded with the most improved player award and will be looking to further improve his game under Chris Brooks, who was named USCHO coach of the year this past campaign.
