Yabba-dabba-doooo! That is what coaches Kevin Hasselberg and Braeden Johnson must be saying these days as they see their Battlefords North Stars come flying out of the gate with their fire-wagon style of play early in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season.
They have been entertaining to say the least, and we hope to see them build on their assets during the coming months. Fans can sense something special in this bunch and they have shown their support with some nice crowds for early in the season.
Recruiting, the often-overlooked meat and potatoes of any team in competitive sports, has evidently been successful this past off season. A number of players have progressed through the Saskatchewan Midget AAA ranks and have made the jump to the SJHL. However, the North Stars staff should be given tremendous credit for scouring the vast outposts of Canada and the United States to track down some quality young men, who appear to be dedicated to an elite brand of play. It appears they are serious about winning and progressing towards a long playoff run.
I was chagrined after we lost Jake Erickson at the end of last season. However, it appears we have acquired another fine young Minnesotan, Conor Jensen, whose smooth skating and efficient offensive and defensive play has been exquisite. It would appear number seven may be a lucky find for the North Stars this season.
The addition of Coby Downs out of California has already been reaping rewards as his skillful play has him near the top of the league scoring race. Taryn Kotchorek will press Ryan Rewerts for the starting job as the year progresses.
The North Stars defense corps is also improved with the addition of Jordan Wiest, Cody Spagrud, Levi Kleiboer and Ryan Rosenberg. The latter has been impressive with his rock solid physical play.
A 20-year-old from the Alberta Junior Hockey League, Dustin Gorgi, has been a nice addition for the North Stars. He has contributed offensively and has been a solid two-way player. It is anticipated the leadership abilities of Gorgi and Wiest will be extremely valuable as the team heads into the tough part of the schedule after Christmas.
Special mention should be made of the play of Lane Young. He’s a creative young player whom I anticipate will only be here for a year or two until he is recruited by other hockey headhunters. He is worth the price of admission. A marvelous player who is adept at finding the open spaces and is wonderful with and without the puck. We anticipate he will provide goal scoring at important times throughout the year.
The physical play of the North Stars has also been impressive. Baxter Kanter and Jordan Townsend have been beasts with their heart and soul play. It appears both have put in a lot of hard work during the off season and are committed towards championship play. If they keep playing like they have early in the year, they have bright futures, hopefully in the collegiate ranks.
There are leaders on this team who have returned to the club for the 2015-16 season. Connor Sych, Kendall Fransoo, Reed Delainey, Igor Leonenko and Jake McMillen are all playing well. Sych has matured into a dominant player on the ice. Leonenko appears to have dedicated himself to superlative play. When he takes possession of the puck, you know there is the chance of the puck ending up in the back of the net.
Fransoo will provide steady play on defence, while McMillen will be counted on for goal scoring. Delainey is a gifted player, who will need to stay healthy.
And now for the coaching staff- — Kevin Hasselberg and Braeden Johnson, Fred and Barney, if you will. They appear to be more relaxed and appear to have loosened the reins on their youngsters and have allowed them to push towards maximizing their offensive creativity. Thus far, the team has been impressive. And they do remind me a little of the fire wagon hockey of the old Montreal Canadiens. They have all the ability in the world.
The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League is a tough league, but there is reason to believe our club will be contenders at the end of the season. If you are thinking about coming out to the games and supporting our North Star phenoms, you won’t be disappointed. It is money well spent and the guys will love to see a packed rink. Go North Stars, Go!
