North Stars hockey—they just earn it!

Dear Editor

The Battlefords North Stars have embarked on a new Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season. There are new beginnings with various changes in the player lineup and fresh faces in the coaching and management ranks. As with any junior hockey club, there are peaks and valleys with regard to on-ice success that occur from year to year. The North Stars fans hope the 2016-17 regular season will build upon the terrific season that was posted in the last campaign. Desire and dedication will guide the effectiveness of the North Stars contingent.

This year’s club has two returning net minders, Ryan Rewerts and Taryn Kotchorek. Rewerts is in his final year of eligibility. This is his year to prove that he can be a consistent top-flight goaltender. Kotchorek had a tremendous first year, displaying steady and dependable play. It would not be surprising to see both share the duties this year. If both push the other to play at a high level of play, we could be in for a treat. But, the consistency has to be there on every game night.

The North Stars’ defence corps will be comprised of an almost identical lineup from the 2015-16 season. Returning are Connor Sych, Kendall Fransoo, Cody Spragrud, Levi Kleiboer (my Boer Warrior), and Ryan Rosenberg. They will be augmented by newcomers Connor Manegre, Karstin McDonald, and an impressive youngster, Austin Shumanski. If they play to their capability, Rewerts and Kotchorek will have the confidence to play steady hockey without having the weight of every save on their mind. Sych and Fransoo will provide assured leadership on the back end. Spagrud’s play is steady, interspersed with his controlled ability to carry the puck into the opposition’s end. Kleiboer plays with confidence and is willing to take risks at the opportune time. Rosenberg has the ability to be a rock on the defensive side and will provide needed size when play becomes physical. Shumanski is a young lad who showed poise and strong play in the pre-season. He has a bright future if he dedicates himself to the game.

With the number of defencemen on the club, Coach Nate Bedford has the luxury of playing some of these individuals on the forward line during the course of the year. Championships are built on strong defence. We have all the ingredients. Now, the right mix must be found.

There has been a large turnover on the forward brigade. Returning to the club are Logan Nachtegaele, Troy Gerein, Reed Delainey and Bryce Hall. Owen Lamb and Tysen Smith both helped out late in the previous season. Oh yes, there is Layne Young. What a brilliant young lad, who had a tremendous first season.

Finding productive and creative line mates for Layne will be a task Coach Bedford will need to accomplish early in the season. Young is one of the most talented players to have worn a North Stars uniform for many years. To all the fans, enjoy his play. He is a phenomenon on ice.

There have also been a number of new recruits who have shown some promise. They include Connor McIntosh, Jayden Nachtegaele (cousin to Logan), MacGregor Sinclaire, Keaton Holinaty, Jeremy Velazquez and Connor Logan. The latter has exhibited a goal-scorer’s touch in the pre-season, but has also showed a desire to back-check. He should be exciting to watch this season.

And, then there is Conor Jenson. It was such a treat to watch his play on defence last season, with his smooth ability to rush with the puck, skating effortlessly in the process. He has played forward in the pre-season and will be a strong addition to the lineup in this new capacity as he will be able to take his skills to another level. Jenson gives the club a player who can provide versatility and a confidence in his skilled play.

Now, if you haven’t noticed, we have a problem. There are five Connors/Conor on the North Stars roster. I am thinking Coach Bedford must be trying to come up with nicknames or acronyms so he can retain his sanity throughout the season. We need to have the coach start all five at the start of a home game early in the season. In the starting lineup — Connor Sych and Conner Manegre on the blueline and, up front, we have Conor Jensen, Connor Logan, and Connor McIntosh. Please let that come to fruition!

The brain trust of the organization, Coaches Bedford and Braeden Johnson, know they have a talented group this year. The players have the ability to compete on a nightly basis. It is a matter of molding them into a cohesive unit and teaching them how to “earn it” each and every time they are out on the ice.

Winning a championship is something no individual ever forgets. Overall, what matters is the process. Taking each game in a professional manner and treating your teammates with respect. When you play together and for each other, it is amazing what can happen. The desire to play with confidence and not be over confident is a key. Taking a look at this roster, as long as the players do the little things and pay attention to detail, this club will go far this season.

Play loose and play with controlled abandon. And stay out of the penalty box!

High expectations, as it should be! Go Stars!

Garnet Elmer

With trusted assistant Ashlyn Elmer

North Battleford