Battlefords North Stars — more than just a hockey club

Dear Editor

The Battlefords North Stars are a contributing asset to our community. Not only do they provide a relatively cheap source of entertainment, the club and its team members are visible in our area by participating in school, civic and seniors’ functions, in addition to other activities. And, I think it would be fair to say the hockey players are genuine in their willingness to represent the club in contributing to the betterment of the Battlefords. The North Stars give thanks to the community for their support by participating in events that make our community greater. The season is young, but it would appear the Battlefords North Stars have a chance to challenge for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League title if they play to their potential, game in and game out. 

At the time of writing of this article, the North Stars had a record of nine wins and five losses. However, 10 of their 14 games have been on the road. So, their record, while not leading the league, is still more than adequate considering the fact that we have had many new players on the road for the first time in a competitive circuit. In addition, the organization has hired an impressive young coach in Nate Bedford. Thus far, it appears that Bedford has been a steadying and positive influence on his players. We were very lucky to be able to bring him to our community. North Stars hockey is in good hands with Coach Bedford.

There have been a number of recent changes as Bedford strives to improve the quality of play of our club. We have two stellar goaltenders in Taryn Kotchorek and Joel Gryzbowski. Their performance thus far has been steady, if not spectacular. As the veteran defensive pairings get used to their teammate’s style of play, we should see them progress to be, likely, the cream of the crop in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. With Levi Kleiboer, Cody Spagrud, Connor Sych, Kendall Fransoo, Ryan Rosenberg, Conner Manegre, and Conor Jensen, we should have goals against average that will compete with the best in the league. Kleiboer has been a standout thus far this season with his steady play. All of these defencemen will need to play intelligent hockey and stay out of the penalty box. Undisciplined play has hurt the club at times early in the season.

The forward combinations have been a work in progress. There is the potential for some fire wagon hockey. This has been helped with the addition of exciting and dynamic Coby Downs, who had a brief stint with the Omaha Lancers prior to deciding to return to the North Stars. This will be a treat for North Stars fans, as Downs is a tremendous team player, who will provide needed goal scoring.

Layne Young is still trying to find his groove after an early season injury, but he will come into his own, as he is a conscientious and caring player who has the team’s interests at heart in his play.

Reed Delainey continues to battle various ailments, but it is hoped he will be able to be a season-long contributor. He will need to play smart hockey and avoid the punishing checks that occur at this level. For the past while, he has been snake bitten with injuries. Connor Logan has been a nice surprise as he has contributed offensively and defensively.

Troy Gerein and Owen Lamb have been tireless workhorses who have provided steady play at both ends of the ice. McGregor Sinclair has shown flashes of brilliance, but he will need to focus on consistent effort each time he hits the ice.

Brett Horn and Keaton Holinaty will be important additions, especially when playoff time comes around and they are able to let their experience shine through. Bryce Hall and Logan Nachtegaele are veterans who will be expected to be more positive contributors offensively and defensively as the season progresses. They have the necessary tools, now they need to improve their quality of play.

Finally, Jeremy Velasquez, Connor McIntosh, and Jayden Nachtegaele have shown they belong in this league. Ben Allen, a 20 year-old just acquired from the Alberta Junior Hockey League, could be the spark plug that provides energy on the ice in key situations.

These lads deserve our support. Many are playing in hopes of acquiring scholarships at educational institutions. Hockey ends at some point for all these players, so having a solid education will help them to be lifelong contributors to their communities. Their end of the bargain is to come to play every night and make themselves and the Battlefords proud. Playing for each other for a common goal — the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Championship

Garnet W. Elmer (with his trusted and able assistant Ashlyn Elmer, the brains in the family)

North Battleford