As the Battlefords Stars begin their preparations for the 2017-18 Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League season, their leading scorer from last year will be trying to make it to the next level.
Saskatoon born forward Adam Beckman signed an entry-level contract with the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs Monday and is currently battling it out for a spot with the team when the regular season begins on Sept. 22.
Beckman, 16, was a fifth round pick by the Chiefs in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft and had 41 points in 44 games during his rookie campaign in the Midget AAA loop.
If he doesn’t stick with the Chiefs, he more than likely will be returning to the Stars, though the Nipawin Hawks hold his Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League rights.
Meanwhile, the Regina Pats inked a former Stars blueliner Wednesday as they signed 18-year-old Parker Gavlas.
The Saskatoon native had 17 points in 43 games last year and was second in defensive scoring behind Luke Reid, who has moved on to join the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League.
Gavlas also played in three SJHL games last year with the Yorkton Terriers and was expected to suit up for them before a strong performance at the Pats’ training camp.
Other players from last year’s Stars team who will be moving on to other programs are Mackenzie Donovan (La Ronge Ice Wolves), Tyson Meyers (Melfort Mustangs), Austin King-Cunningham (Vancouver Giants) and Donavon Beatty (Valley Wildcats).
This year’s Stars will have their first pre-season game on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at the Civic Centre when they’ll host the Saskatoon Contacts.
