The North Stars players, families and billets got together over the weekend to say their goodbyes to one another, the graduating players and to receive season awards.
“I’ll always remember the brotherhood,” Head Coach Kevin Hasselberg said as he talked about the locker room. He spoke about how his players will always know each other, follow up at each other's weddings and remember their time on the ice for the rest of their lives. He’s not wrong.
What the Battlefords North Stars were able to do this past season was incredible to watch. One of the more storied campaigns in franchise history saw the black and white finish with a tremendous 43-11-2-2 record, and first place in the SJHL and Finning Division. Individually, the team ended the season with five scorers in the top 20 in the league, while Igor Leonenko led the way in terms of goals. On the other end, it was Layne Young receiving the rookie of the year award, finishing second in the league for assists. Coby Downs was right behind Young for rookie of the year honours, finishing on the all-rookie team with 27 goals and 46 helpers.
Graduating players were handed their jerseys as momentos for the season. Hasselberg individually spoke about what each player brought to the team and how each skater, whether new or a four-year veteran, always brought the team closer together. Jake McMillen, Tyler Fuhr, Rory Davidson, Dustin Gorgi, Jordan Wiest, Leonenko, Reed Delainey, Jordan Townsend and Baxter Kanter will all be moving on with their hockey careers, but what they were able to do this season will be on display at the Civic Centre forever. McMillen had his best season in his four-year stint with the North Stars, tallying 65 points in 57 games. Tyler Fuhr was acquired near the trade deadline, and posted a perfect 7-0-1 record in a North Stars jersey during the regular season. Rory Davidson played a huge role as part of the three-headed monster line of him, Kanter and Logan Nachtegaele. His offence shined in the playoffs, scoring two goals and four assists. Gorgi will be moving on to play hockey in Red Deer next year after being one of those players previously mentioned in the top 20 for scoring. His 28 goals and 31 assists ranked him 19th in the league, and that is 28 “dab” goal celebrations the North Stars will miss out on next season. Wiest was a pillar of defence at the back end for the Battlefords but was never afraid to generate some offence when necessary. The black and white relied on him to log some incredible minutes throughout the playoffs, and was a vital role in the penalty kill. Leonenko, who also received the team award for top goal scorer, finished with 47 goals and 41 assists, while leading the team with power play goals. His one-timer from the right wing was always devastating. Delainey would have finished in the top 20 if it weren’t for some nagging injuries that sidelined him during the season. His speed, as with Townsend’s, was always something else to watch. Kanter took home the playoff MVP award for his offence, and, of course, throwing his body around with the best of them. Like Davidson, Kanter chipped in with six points in nine games and was a bruiser that would not hesitate to stick up for his teammates. He will be moving on to play hockey at Steven’s Point next season in Wisconsin.
When speaking to a handful of players throughout the campaign, all had one goal in mind, and that was not only to win the Canalta Cup, but to move on and win the RBC. Although the season for the North Stars ended abruptly short, every player who suited up for the black and white has to be proud of what they accomplished. The fans certainly are.
