The Battlefords North Stars handed out their 2013-14 regular season awards before Feb. 28's game against the Kindersley Klippers at the Civic Centre.
The first trophy was presented to defenceman Jake Erickson of Mahtomedi, Minn. for rookie of the year. Erickson had two goals and 25 assists in 51 games this season. He was seventh in the SJHL in rookie points and second in the SJHL in rookie assists. Erickson finished 12th in the SJHL in points by a defenceman.
The most outstanding defenceman award went to Erickson's defence partner - captain Kyle Schmidt. A Waldheim product, Schmidt played his first full season with the North Stars. Last season, he played with both the North Stars and Saskatoon Blades of the WHL. Schmidt had seven goals and 27 assists in 46 games and was fourth in the SJHL in points by a defenceman despite playing at least seven less games than any other defenceman in the top 10.
Nick Fountain from Wainright, Alta. was the recipient of the most improved player award. Fountain, who played two games with the North Stars last season before being traded and eventually reacquired during the off-season, had 10 goals and 12 assists in 47 games this season. Six of those goals came on the power play.
The most dedicated player award was presented to home-grown defenceman Dillon Forbes. In his final season with the North Stars, Forbes was an assistant captain this year. He added more offence to his game this season as he had career highs in goals with six, assists with 22 and penalty minutes with 145 in 53 games played. Forbes was the co-winner of this award last season. The award is sponsored by Billie Choque, a former North Stars equipment manager.
Unity's Braden Lacoursiere was presented with the North Stars' Humanitarian Award. This award is presented to a player who is a great example in the community and someone who is always willing to participate in team events and appearances throughout the season. Lacoursiere played with the Battlefords Midget AAA Stars last season and was an affiliated player with the North Stars for three games. He made the North Stars as an under-aged defenceman this season. In his first year with the North Stars, Lacoursiere had two goals and four assists in 39 games.
Battlefords product Blake Young was the winner of the Bertha Hill Memorial fan's choice award for the second year in a row. The 19-year-old has committed to a scholarship next season at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Young has played 107 career regular season games with the North Stars, 54 of those this season. He picked up 18 goals and 25 assists this season and was tied for first place on the team in regular season points.
The final award presented Friday was the regular season most valuable player. Goaltender Michael Gudmandson, who joined the team Nov. 19, was named the team's MVP. Since he joined the team, the North Stars' record was 27-4-0-1. Gudmandson had a record of 20-3-1 in 24 starts this season. He also registered four shutouts. He had the second best goals against average and save percentage in the SJHL with a mark of 1.74 and .944. Gudmandson was in camp with the North Stars last season before joining the Humboldt Broncos and backing up that team. He was traded to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League this summer. After his release, Gudmandson was claimed by the North Stars.
All the awards presented were voted on by the players, staff and board members of the Battlefords North Stars. BNS are set to start their playoff run March 14 or 15 on home ice against the top seeded team from the survivor series, which will either be Estevan, Nipawin or Notre Dame. Playoff tickets are now available.
