DS: Your team and players have been recognized for their outstanding play this year. Igor Leonenko was nominated for MVP, Connor Sych defenceman of the year, Layne Young rookie of the year, Cody Spagrud and Coby Downs all rookie team and the list goes on. Certainly the accolades are well deserved in that locker room and speak volumes for your team heading into the playoffs.
KH: We are very proud of the individual accomplishments of all our players. At some point in time, every one of those young men have gone beyond to achieve excellence both on and off the ice. These players would be the first to recognize the contributions of their teammates that factored into their own personal success.
DS: Without a doubt the North Stars wouldn't be where they are today without the play of their first-year players. Downs, Taryn Kotchorek, Braydon Buziak, Spagrud, Young, have all been instrumental in the team’s success this season. Reflecting on the year, what stood out most for you while watching these rookies take to the ice?
KH: What stood out most was the ability of the veteran players to adapt to the different personalities and individual characteristics of each player. Without that acceptance from our leaders, the first-year players wouldn't have felt comfortable enough to be themselves and play to their strengths. The ability to become a family quickly helped our first year players develop. Their personal dedication and work ethic took care of the rest.
DS: While we are talking about first-year players, Jayden Nachtegaele, Owen Lamb and Chance Adrian all made their debuts last week. All of these skaters enjoyed great seasons with their AAA clubs. What type of role will they be playing moving forward?
KH: All of these players will be huge contributors to the process of preparing for our opponents. They will provide unfamiliar resistance in drills and the enthusiastic competitiveness of wanting to play for this team next season. This is a win-win for the organization moving forward, and will prepare us both now and in the future.
DS: A clean, 8-0 sweep of the rival Kindersley Klippers this year. Must be satisfying after they were able to knock the North Stars out of the playoffs last season. More importantly, they are a potential first round opponent. Does the sweep (and ending on an 11-game win streak) build confidence for your team moving into playoffs, or is the postseason an entirely different monster?
KH: The consistent reminder to all of our players is all teams start with a 0 - 0 - 0 record and the season now shifts to first to four wins. All eight of those games were there to prepare us for what is coming in the playoffs.
DS: Ryan Rewerts had another solid night of goaltending, posting a 24-save shutout, his third of the year. Tyler Fuhr came up big on numerous breakaways in the second game against Kindersley. Kotchorek had a good game against Humboldt, showcasing his puck playing ability. Another chapter that furthers the difficulties of choosing a starter for game one. Will each goaltender see action in the playoffs, or are you looking to stay with one and go from there?
KH: Each goaltender will be prepared for whichever role they are tasked with in the playoffs. We believe, as a staff, all three will be called upon at some point during our journey. We are very excited that all three have stepped up to the challenge and are battling to help the team succeed.
DS: Leonenko posted a hat trick in game one of the home-and-home series. His second hat trick in the last four games. He finishes the year with 47 goals, the most in the SJHL. His productivity has been astronomical this season. I'm sure you will be finding playoff teams that will be making it a priority to shut him down. Will you be looking at ways to get him new looks?
KH: As a staff we will be looking at all options to better prepare against our opponents. Our players have learned the systems, they have conditioned and dedicated themselves to achieve the goals we set. Our job as a staff now, is to do our best to put our players in positions where they can succeed.
DS: The Davidson, Kanter and Nachtegaele line is usually given the task to shut down the opposing team’s top scorers, but nobody said they couldn't generate some offence for themselves. Saturday they received a line point on the Davidson wrister, while Kanter also netted a goal. How important is a two-way line like this in a playoff atmosphere? The scoring depth on this team can't get any deeper it seems.
KH: It's critical that all of our lines clearly understand and embrace the roles they are tasked with. This particular line has done this extraordinarily well! They are very passionate about their responsibilities.
DS: During the 11-game winning streak, the penalty kill surrendered just 3 goals. An incredible feat seeing as the opposing team had 40 opportunities during that span. A big part of being a good penalty killer is fearlessness and wanting to risk your body to get in the shooting lane, which comes second to none on this team.
KH: I couldn't agree more with this statement, Dustin!.....fearlessness and risk....powerful and inspirational words.
DS: A 13-day break divides your last regular season game and game one of the postseason. How will the North Stars be spending their time with so many days off? Is it imperative to have some time off, have some fun and get the mind off hockey before tuning up for what looks like a deep playoff run?
KH: We just came off a 13-day break during the regular season and utilized that as a learning tool to prepare for this break. Our plan is in place and the players are dialed in to work, rest and play to ensure we are ready for March 18th.
DS: It's no secret the North Stars have the most potent offence in the league, and have given up the second lowest goals against, next to Weyburn. If you could put your finger on one or two things that has given the North Stars the ability to go out and take wins, what would it be? How far can a welcoming dressing room go, especially one that is equipped with veterans who lead by example?
KH: You mentioned it in your last sentence, Dustin....veterans....LEADERSHIP. Our leaders have forged the culture of this team and embraced the credo that will determine our success, both long term and short. Not only has the leadership prepared this year's edition of the North Stars, they have cemented the culture of this team for years to come. They are doing something we hope will be remembered forever!
