After an incredible season, finishing first place in the Finning Division and in the SJHL on an 11-game win streak, two North Stars were awarded yearly awards.
First-year forward, Layne Young, has come into the Junior A spotlight and has dominated the opposition, finding his way onto the first line and in the top 20 for scoring in the league. On the North Stars, he is second on the team in points with 24 goals and 51 assists, behind just phenom Igor Leonenko. He led the entire SJHL in rookie scoring, finishing two points ahead of his counterpart, Coby Downs. Young had a 13-game point streak as the campaign came to its end, only to have it snapped on the final regular season game. He had an outstanding seven goals and 15 assists during that span. Young has also been instrumental on the top-ranked power play in the province, as well as showing his strength and intelligence with the puck on the penalty kill. He was also named to the All-Rookie team and was selected to tryout for Team Canada West earlier this season.
Next, the North Stars don’t get to where they are without a great coaching staff. Head Coach Kevin Hasselberg has been named Canalta Hotels Coach of the Year, ending the regular season with a 43-11-2-2 record. In his four years with the team, the North Stars have won 40 games twice, while this season they set a record low for losses in franchise history with 11. In 2013-14 the Battlefords finished with 36 wins under his coaching and first place in the Kramer Division. In his Junior A career, Hasselberg has amassed a record of 146-64-16. He has been a vital part of his team’s success, whether it’s coaching, countless hours of recruiting or scouting, all while at the helm of the most potent offence in the SJHL. On the defensive side, the North Stars have surrendered just 146 goals this year, which is good for second in the league.
