Dear Editor
There is an old saying that indicates you can never go back. In many respects that is true in many facets of our lives. The Battlefords North Stars have struck a torrid pace in the initial part of the season, and their record of 30-7 leads the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League overall standings at the holiday break.
They begin the 2017 part of their schedule with a tough three-game road trip in Estevan, Weyburn, and Wilcox beginning Friday before returning to North Battleford to play the Red Wings on Jan. 13. The games completed prior to the Christmas break were an important part of the schedule. However, the tilts that really count are now before them, as they aim to break out of the gate quickly and try to solidify their position as a first-place team in the standings and prepare themselves for a long run in the playoffs and, hopefully, a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League championship.
The most impressive aspect of the club in the 2016-17 campaign, thus far, has been the chemistry that has unified the team. They play for each other and are accountable to each other. The leadership that has been provided by the returning veterans has been a key to their success. It will be essential for that core of players to ensure the team continues to build and peak at the right time.
There is no “I” in team. Regular season success will mean relatively little unless they prove their worth in the playoffs. But, first things first. Although this team is built to win on the road and at home, it would be advantageous to take first-place overall by the end of the season. To attain that, steady play on the defensive side with continued stalwart goaltending will be required. The goals will come, as this team is too talented to have any lapses in goal scoring. If they play as a team, they will be successful.
The Battlefords North Stars are blessed to have two fine individuals leading this club. Head coach and general manager Nate Bedford has fit seamlessly into this program and has definitely put his stamp on the team. The North Stars play with a high degree of maturity and discipline.
As the season progresses, the players will understand there is no room for taking unnecessary penalties. Other lesser teams will aim to put our guys in the penalty box. The North Stars will need to be cognizant of that.
There appears to be a healthy mutual respect between the coaching staff and the players.
Assistant coach Braeden Johnson is a reflection of the heart of this team. He is committed to success and is passionate about his North Stars roots. Johnson deserves a great deal of credit for the impressive performance of the club.
And the writer would be remiss in not discussing the contribution of the team trainer/therapist, Robert Tanner. If you were to look at Tanner’s responsibilities, you would understand how vital his contribution is to the North Stars players and organization.
The upcoming few months will see a necessary elevation in play of all players on the squad. But, the most important aspect of their game is to have fun playing, with discipline and controlled aggressive abandon. Outwork the other team on each shift for 60 minutes. That is a good recipe for success.
Come playoff time, the work on the ice gets harder, and players like Troy Gerein and Logan Nachtegaele will shine, as their grit and determination will be essential. And remember these names: Sych, Spagrud, Rosenberg, Fransoo, Jensen, Kleiboer and Manegre. This solid crew of defencemen will need to continue their strong play in front of the spectacular goaltending of Kotchorek and Gryzbowski.
At this point in time, the Battlefords North Stars lead the SJHL in game attendance. The Civic Centre (you know, the arena that needs to be replaced) is a hub of activity on game day. The players appreciate the support the community has provided and, as we approach the latter part of the season and the playoffs, it is anticipated tickets may be hard to come by as we encounter further success. It is exciting hockey and very entertaining, to say the least.
The 2015-16 season is behind them. What has occurred in the first part of the 2016-17 schedule is now past. After watching this team’s entertaining brand of hockey, it has become apparent they will be determined to improve each and every game throughout the balance of the regular season and playoffs. This is a championship caliber club. Now is not the time to take your foot off the gas. Now is the time for our Stars to shine. Let’s go boys! It is your time!
Garnet and Ashlyn Elmer (the intelligent one of these two)
North Battleford
