An incredible campaign for the Battlefords North Stars that saw them win the Canalta Cup for the first time in 17 years came to an end Saturday afternoon at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, B.C.
The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League title holders were unable to find the back of the net as they dropped a 4-0 decision to the tournament host and British Columbia Hockey League champion Penticton Vees in the Western Canada Cup’s 3 vs. 4 playoff game.
“Our guys worked hard all the way through the game and that’s something that they’ve done all season,” Bedford said. “I thought the game was a little more even than the score indicated, but we weren’t able to capitalize on our scoring chances and they were able to cash in on their opportunities.
“We fought right until the last whistle and you can’t ask for much more than that.”
The North Stars had numerous chances on offence throughout the game, but they were unable to solve Vees netminder Mathew Robson as he turned aside all 23 shots he faced.
It marked the second time all year that the North Stars were shutout in a game, as they were previously held off of the scoreboard in a 2-0 loss to the Nipawin Hawks on Jan. 29.
“I thought he was exceptional and that was the best goaltending performance that I’ve seen at this tournament,” Bedford said.
“That wasn’t the best for us timing wise, but sometimes you run into a goalie that’s on top of his game and he certainly was today.”
The Vees also capitalized on their special team opportunities, as they potted home a pair of power play goals and also found the back of the net during a penalty kill.
Grant Cruikshank had a goal and an assist in the win, while Nicholas Jones made great passes to set up power play markers for Massimo Rizzo and Taylor Ward.
Jared Nash also scored for the Vees during a scramble in front of the net late in the second period.
Joel Grzybowski turned in another stellar performance in goal for the North Stars, as he made 34 saves in the loss.
Saturday’s game marked the final appearance in a North Stars uniform for defenceman Kendall Fransoo and forwards Jared Blaquiere, Reed Delainey, Coby Downs, Keaton Holinaty, Connor Logan and Logan Nachtegaele, as they will all graduate from the SJHL.
It also marked the end of the junior hockey career for defenceman Zach Nedelec, who has been sidelined with a leg injury since Game 3 of the SJHL quarter-final series with the Weyburn Red Wings.
“They helped our team win a championship after far too long,” Bedford said. “We’ll remember this group as the guys that helped this organization turn the corner and become one of those teams that can contend for a title every year
“I couldn’t be more proud of them and more thankful for what they’ve brought to this team.”
At this point, two of the graduating players will play hockey at a post-secondary level as Delainey will suit up for the RIT Tigers in the NCAA Division I ranks and Downs will be a member of the Norwich Cadets, who are the current NCAA Division III champions.
With 14 players eligible to return to the roster next year, the lessons learned by the North Stars at the Western Canada Cup will be huge as the team looks to repeat as SJHL champions.
“Our players got to see some different styles of play than what they were used to this week and I think that’s a good thing for them going forward,” Bedford said.
“This will set us up for more success and this experience won’t be forgotten. I’m sure will bring this week up quite a few times during the course of next season.”
The North Stars were planning to have a team dinner in Penticton Saturday night before starting their journey back to North Battleford Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Vees will now have a chance to earn a spot at the RBC Cup in Cobourg, Ont. tomorrow on their home ice at 5 p.m. Saskatchewan time Sunday.
They will play the loser of tonight’s Western Canada Cup championship game, which gets underway at 8 p.m. Saskatchewan time, between the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs.
The winner of that contest will also earn a spot at the RBC Cup, which takes place from May 13-21.
