Dear Editor
The Battlefords North Stars are entering the third phase of their Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoff with energy and commitment. They have systematically disposed of worthy opponents in the Weyburn Red Wings and Estevan Bruins. In the opinion of the writer, it was always going to come down to a battle among the top four teams in the league: North Stars, Bruins, Nipawin Hawks and Flin Flon Bombers.
At the time of writing of this piece, we are down to the final three with Nipawin and Flin Flon locked in a battle for the remaining spot vying for the league title. That series will be a challenge for our Battlefords North Stars as Nipawin and Flin Flon are strong clubs. However, it is argued our local club has the grit and determination to overcome any hurdles or obstacles that stand in their way. If they encounter adversity, all the players face it head on and meet it with confidence. What they have accomplished thus far in the 2016-17 season has past. The end goal is the championship of the SJHL. And they have shown they are determined to not let any team stand in the way of their prize.
Defence wins championships and the North Stars will need to continue to enjoy the fruits of having a solid core of players at the defensive position. Connor Sych, Cody Spagrud, Ryan Rosenberg, Conor Jensen, Levi Kleiboer, and Conner Manegre have all been solid performers in the play-offs. This club has overcome injuries to Kendall Fransoo and Zach Nedelec, and has not used their absence as an excuse.
All of the pairings have exhibited superior performance and they will need to continue to do so in the league final. In particular, Rosenberg and Jensen have shown why they are so valued by the team with their veteran play. They have emerged as additional leaders on the club. Coach Nate Bedford has had to juggle his defensive pairings due to the injuries, but the remaining players have shown their maturity in adapting to having new partners.
The goaltending of Taryn Kotchorek and Joel Gryzbowski was superior during the regular season. Coach Bedford’s strategy in playing these goalies on an equitable basis kept them fresh and sharp. From afar, it was observed that it created a friendly competition between the two that only enhanced their play. They will need to be sharper than ever as they enter the final. Their defensive wall up front will need to protect this tandem and attempt to limit scoring opportunities and odd man rushes by the opposition.
The players, both on forward and defence, have taken ownership in their pride in blocking shots, which is such an invaluable skill.
The forward contingent for the Battlefords North Stars is creative and productive. They will need to continue to bear down and capitalize on their scoring opportunities. One of the keys will be their ability to take the punishment and make their presence known in front of the opposition’s goaltender. It is a necessity at this time of year. Everything is on the line. At the same time, and in the observation of the writer, the players need to continue to have fun with their skill level. It is a treat to watch them use their talent.
Ben Allen, Coby Downs and Layne Young have been a topflight forward line throughout the season. They are strong offensively and defensively. This threesome has happily accepted the responsibility of being the number one line. They have fun in what they are doing and it shows on the ice. Allen, Downs, and Young will need to continue to play with speed and determination as they advance into the final match up. The return of Downs to this team early in the year provided an invaluable boost to an already strong roster.
Conner Logan, Reed Delainey and Jared Blaquiere emerged as a consistent and productive line in their series with the Estevan Bruins. If they use their speed and veteran leadership, they have the potential of being dominant both offensively and defensively. They play well together and take pride in what they contribute to the club.
The third and fourth lines of the Battlefords North Stars have been huge components of their success thus far in the post season. The writer needs to mention each of them as they have been dynamite contributors.
Owen Lamb and MacGregor Sinclair have come into their own as rookies and have provided intelligent and dependable play. Troy Gerein and Logan Nachtegaele have been instrumental in providing energy with their fearless play. Their physical hounding of the opposition has been indispensable.
Bryce Hall continues to provide veteran leadership in his third year with the club. In the opinion of the writer, Keaton Holinaty has been a major cog in the North Stars’ wheels during the playoffs. He has contributed tremendously at both ends of the ice. Keaton exudes confidence and provides inspirational play.
If you were to look at the forward combinations for our North Stars, you could argue there is no hierarchical ranking in the lines. They all just go out and work. Coaches Bedford and Braeden Johnson have done an excellent job of rolling out the four lines. They can depend on the play of their warriors. The reason why they can do that is they have given the players the confidence to play.
We are fortunate to have the quality of people that we have in Bedford and Johnson. They have shown the professionalism and composure that is required in leading young men. It’s not just about the hockey. Many of the players are away from home. Bedford and Johnson, by definition as coaches and teachers, accept the role as mentors and guides for the youngsters.
The bottom line is to win. Winning creates excitement in the community and it puts butts in the stands of the relic called the Civic Centre. And that puts money in the club’s fiscally responsible coiffures enabling it to survive. But, ultimately, the most positive reward is to see these young men become successful in their personal and professional lives as they enter further schooling or the work force.
In summary, the Battlefords North Stars have what it takes to be champions. The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League final will be a tough test. It should be. That’s what finals are all about. Whether it be the Flin Flon Bombers or the Nipawin Hawks, playing on the road or at home, these North Stars will provide controlled reckless abandon and show the disciplined play that keeps them out of the penalty box. Their will to win will not be surpassed. They possess an iron will.
Garnet Elmer and Ashlyn Elmer
North Battleford
