Of the 12 teams in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, the Battlefords North Stars are the only one that haven’t had a player take part in the World Junior A Challenge since it started in 2006.
Levi Kleiboer, Cody Spagrud and Layne Young are eager to make that a thing of the past.
All three players will be travelling to Leduc, Alta. on Sunday to try and make the final roster for Canada West at this year’s tournament, which will take place in Bonnyville, Alta. from Dec. 11-17.
“That would mean a lot for us to be able to do that,” Spagrud said.
“To represent the Battlefords region and our team at a big event like that would be a tremendous opportunity.”
All three players are in their second seasons with the North Stars.
Young, who attended last year’s Canada West camp with teammates Reed Delainey and Connor Sych, leads the North Stars in scoring this season with 35 points in 27 games.
The 19-year-old forward from Frenchman Butte is currently fifth in league scoring.
“I don’t think it will be as overwhelming of an experience for me as it was last year,” Young said. “It’s a much faster pace than what we’re used to here, but I know to expect that this time around.
“I would say that I’m a more physical player this year. Being a stronger player has helped me to outmuscle guys when I’m battling for pucks.”
Kleiboer, an 18-year-old from Martensville, leads all North Stars defencemen in points this year with 21 points in 29 games.
“I’m really looking forward to the camp,” Kleiboer said. “It’ll be a great opportunity to compete against players that are committed to the college level and seeing just what it takes to be right there with them.
“I’m much more confident out on the ice than I was a year ago, especially when I’m battling against bigger guys in the corners.”
Spagrud, who is from Gull Lake and is also 18 years of age, has 10 points in 29 games.
“Coming back here for a second year has really helped me to feel more at ease this season,” Spagrud said. “You have a better idea of what to expect when you’re familiar with that you’re facing on a regular basis, especially when it comes to working out in the summer and knowing what you have to do in order to get stronger.
“When it comes to the camp, having Layne around will be great for Levi and I. He knows what it will be like and that will only make us better as the week goes on.”
The training camp will begin Monday with the final roster expected to be set Thursday.
Eight other players from the SJHL will be at the camp, which has 60 players from the Alberta Junior Hockey League, British Columbia Hockey League, Manitboa Junior Hockey League and the Superior International Junior Hockey League out of Ontario.
