The Battlefords North Stars have announced Connor Creech has committed to join the Plattsburgh Cardinals who are a member of the NCAA Division III State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC).
Creech will be joining fellow former North Star Kyle Hall at Plattsburgh next season.
Creech, from Lloydminster, AB., joined the North Stars at the beginning of the 2011/12 season from a transaction completed with the Bonnyville Pontiacs. During that season, the tandem of Creech and Graham Hildebrand guided the North Stars to a final four appearance in a six game series defeat to the eventual Canalta Cup Champion Humboldt Broncos.
In two full seasons with the North Stars, Creech was able to earn a total of 38 wins 24 losses and 4 shoot out losses.
"We are extremely proud of Connor on securing his academic and athletic future with the Cardinals mens' hockey program. During his time with the North Stars, Creech established himself as premier goaltender in the SJHL. Creech was both a tremendous leader for our young hockey team and an ambassador in the Battlefords community," said Kevin Hasselberg, North Stars coach.
The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League has quietly become a leader in goaltender development. With the addition of Creech, the SJHL has now moved nine goaltenders onto the next level from the 2012/13 season. That list includes six goaltenders moving to the NCAA ranks and three onto the Canadian College programs.
