Dear Editor
‘Tis the season for North Stars fans to be jolly, but wait, we’ve been jolly for the last three months based on the play of Nate Bedford and Braeden Johnson’s Battlefords North Stars! It’s time to relay joyous greetings to some fine young gentlemen who contribute mightily to the Battlefords community. The Battlefords North Stars bring excitement and respect to our area. On game days, there are no “silent nights” as our “drummer boys” pound the opposition. They bring so much “joy to the world,” or at least to our “little town of North Battleford.” When we bear down and put the puck in the net, their goaltender suffers from a “holy night.” There are no chestnuts roasting on their lack of fire. Had enough yet? I know, the puns are a little frosty, but they don’t call me the Snowman for nothin’.
It’s time for this grey beard (it ain’t white like Santa’s just yet) to thank the players and staff, so here goes.
Taryn Kotchorek: Number 1 with a bullet. Taryn stops most everything that comes his way. Plays big in the net! Probably the most photographed player in the building! Baby, it’s cold outside, when Taryn freezes out the opposition. Throw on a beard, Taryn, ‘cause you’re our Santa!
Connor Sych: If you need a Santa body to take care of people in front of the net, Connor is your guy. He doesn’t “mask” indifference. There is no fooling with our big man! His Dad might be his only Achilles heel! When Connor is on, the Civic Centre’s rockin’.
Cody Spagrud: He isn’t related to Levi, but they are joined at the hip. He has blossomed into a big-time D-man who is capable in the clutch. Cody’s gift to the hockey season is his dependable and intelligent play.
Ryan Rosenberg: you have to love this guy from the Empire State. He sticks up for his team mates and rushes in to the offensive zone at opportune times. To our opponents, he’s naughty, ‘cause he sure ain’t nice!
Kendall Fransoo: This guy has really come to play this year. He’s playing a more disciplined game and it has shown in his performance. The leader of this pack — if you’ll notice, he has a “red nose.”
Conor Jensen: An effortless skater with deft puck handling skills. The cherished Number 7 suits Conor. From the beautiful state of Minnesota, home of Bud Grant’s Minnesota Vikings. Conor is as smooth as old Bing’s “White Christmas.”
Ben Allen: Crazy 8, is Ben just a misfit toy! When he is in on the ice, he can be a buzz saw. He contributes offensively and defensively. Ben has been a tremendous addition to an already strong lineup.
Layne Young: He’s that special gift you receive at Christmas. When he opens up, you can’t contain your exuberance! He’s a force you can’t stop once he sets his sleigh in motion. We don’t need treats during the holiday season … it’s just a treat for us to be able to see Layne exhibit his magic throughout the hockey season.
Connor McIntosh: This guy plays with effort each and every time he’s out on the ice. You don’t want to rock around this Christmas tree. He’s tough and hearty as they come!
Troy Gerein: He is the spark plug that ignites our team with his physical play and is adept both offensively and defensively. He is one of our most valuable players. Troy’s the toy that, when he’s wound up, he goes all night!
Logan Nachtegaele: Our “Twelve Days of Christmas” guy suffered an unfortunate injury early in the season, but is now bouncing back nicely. He’s our Dasher that pulls the team behind him with his energetic play!
Levi Kleiboer: The Boer Warrior, Levi is the quintessential defenceman. He is a smart defensive player and can also rush the puck. Combined with Cody, they are a shut-down pairing. Wouldn’t it be great to get a pair of “Levi’s” for Christmas?
Jayden Nachtegaele: there’s no place like home for Jayden! A local product who hopes to have more playing time under the tree. He shows great promise!
Connor Logan: He plays with reckless abandon. He has been a positive offensive contributor, but can also be solid defensively. It will be a “blue, blue, blue” Christmas for the opposition when they see Sweet 16 on the ice.
Bryce Hall: Bryce plays much larger than his stature. Deck the halls with lots of scoring in the second half of the season, Bryce!
Coby Downs: Hallelujah! What a treat to have him back for another year. When Coby’s on the ice, he is our Messiah, a goal-scoring delight!
Keaton Holinaty: this guy is going to be a force come playoff time. He has been contributing at both ends of the ice and has been opportunistic in his goal scoring opportunities. Keaton is your typical grinder who can put the puck in the net. You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!
Reed Delainey: Do you hear what I hear? I think I hear Reed is going to have a sensational second half and lead us to a “Winter Wonderland!”
Owen Lamb: His confidence is growing by the game. Owen is impressive with his intellectual play. He has all his gifts in order. Now, he just needs to deliver!
Connor Manegre: His controlled, aggressive play shows his heart and soul. He keeps the opposition honest in the defensive zone and makes their jingle bells rock!
Brett Horn: It’s the most wonderful time of the year when Brett is on the ice. He came to us from the East, but let’s not hold that against him. It’s the spirit of the season. Number 23 is our Eastern Star who has become a starlit performer!
MacGregor Sinclair: MacGregor is a cerebral player who has been a solid addition in his first year in the league. He is strong on faceoffs, perhaps an underrated skill to most. For MacGregor, it’s beginning to look a lot like showtime!
Keelan Saworski: we haven’t seen much of this recent acquisition due to our strong lineup. All he wants for Christmas is to see Number 25 on the ice.
Jeremy Velazquez: It’s Christmas time in Chicago, with all of the folks at home. The Great White North has embraced this guy from the windy city. If he were a reindeer, he’d be our Dancer, ‘cause he ain’t no Vixen, it’s the hair!
Joel Gryzbowski: When Joel’s in net, we know we will have a holly, jolly night, as he entertains us with his acrobatics. Solid and dependable and cool as a crisp sleigh bell.
And now we come to the big boys.
Robert Tanner: He’s the guy who puts all the misfit toys together and gets them wrapped and ready to go. Indispensable and valued, like the star that’s put on top of the Christmas tree.
Braeden Johnson: I could use a little of Jeremy’s hair, but, that isn’t really a Christmas gift. Braeden is our true North Star that will shine brightly in our team’s history. Christmas cheer to our heart and soul!
Nate Bedford: Nate is a gift to the Battlefords. Nate has humour and humility, having all the treasures that Santa possesses, including the suits. No pressure, Santa, but I asked in my letter to you if we could have a championship. And, we know, Santa, you always come through for us!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good North Star night!
Garnet Elmer
(and his charming little elf, Ashlyn)
North Battleford
