The Battlefords North Stars have clinched another Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League regular season standings and are now working towards being on top of their game as they approach the post season. This team of scintillating warriors appears determined to not let last year’s disappointing playoff season repeat itself. Their defeat at the hands of the Flin Flon Bombers was tough to swallow and many of the returning players won’t forget that feeling of despair. After observing this year’s group, it is anticipated the 2016-2017 North Stars will go deeper into the playoffs with an expectation they will win a well-deserved League Championship. But, they will need to be focused and determined each and every shift. Those who have the will to win, and are willing to sacrifice to impose their will on their opponent will be the victor. This year’s version of our proud club is comprised of many ingredients and, when stirred together, has resulted in a feast of delectable delights.
The coaching tandem of Nate Bedford and Braeden Johnson has molded a team that is disciplined and cohesive. To their credit, they have been deftly able to handle a group of youngsters who have differing personalities. Many of the kids are at a time in their lives when they are asserting their own personal independence and venturing out on their own into a world void of daily contact with their role models—their parents. At the same time, they are faced with the task of learning how to handle pressure from their coaches and teammates. The North Stars have matured over the course of this season and have earned the right to play hard for each other and for their community. This is a big deal for them. When you work incessantly for an entire season, there can be times when your play becomes lackadaisical. However, to their credit, the Battlefords North Stars coaching staff has possessed the patience and support that this group requires. The players know their focus is on the end goal…the prize…the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Championship. Coach Bedford has supplied the intensity, the humour, the intelligence, and the class that has led the club to success thus far this season. Coach Johnson has provided the history, the fire, and the determination that has provided the players with confidence and grit that has allowed them to push through the difficult times during the course of a long campaign.
At the start of the season, the writer had indicated the defense corps would be the strength of the club. That has proven to be the case. The play of Connor Sych, Cody Spagrud, Ryan Rosenberg, Kendall Fransoo, Conor Jensen, Levi Kleiboer, Conner Manegre, and late season addition, Zach Nedelec, has been nothing but steady. There have been few instances of two-on-one breaks, and, for the most part, they have stayed out of the penalty box, something which will be paramount in the post-season. The leadership provided by Captain Kendall Fransoo and Connor Sych has been evident throughout the year. Fransoo has had a break-out season. He has supplied determined defensive play and augmented this with a prowess for scoring. Perhaps more impressive has been his more disciplined play this campaign as he is more valuable on the ice than in the penalty box. The defense pairing of Cody Spagrud and Levi Kleiboer has been solid. Their potential appears to be unlimited. Ryan Rosenberg and Conner Manegre have supplied the physical play that keeps the other team focused. Second year player, Conor Jensen, has tremendous skating ability and has the heart of a lion. After having played the majority of his time on defense, he has now been placed on the forward line due to the depth of the defense corps. This shows his versatility. In the opinion of the writer, he is more suited to play defense as he has such dynamic skills. This is an example of the tough choices the coaching staff has had to make this season. Zach Nedelec has shown a dependable defensive prowess and his experience with be valued in the post season.
The Battlefords North Stars have a unique and varied offensive group that includes a good combination of goal scorers, play-makers, and checkers. The line combination of Layne Young, Coby Downs, and Ben Allen has been superlative. Downs and Young are the headliners. However, in the estimation of this writer, Ben Allen has been the spark plug that has enabled this line to be successful. That attribute should be recognized. When the post season arrives, this line will, arguably, have less room to operate, so their fellow forwards will need to pick up the slack. Reed Delainey and Connor Logan will need to bring their A-game to the rink each and every night and use their speed to not allow their opposition to focus their checking solely on Young, Downs, and Allen. Players such as Keaton Holinaty, Jared Blaquiere, and Cam Nickerson will need to supply their veteran leadership in the dressing room to encourage and educate the younger players in what is required to be successful. The grit and determination of Troy Gerein will be a key to the success of the North Stars. If he plays with discipline and reckless abandon, staying out of the box, he will be one of the more valuable members of the club during the playoffs. He can put his mark on each and every game. Logan Nachtegaele and Bryce Hall have displayed an ‘all-out, all-in’ attitude throughout the season. The ‘muckers’ are so essential in a play-off season. This is their time to shine. Their determined play will be a must And, finally, the play of Mackenzie Sinclair and Owen Lamb, both first year players, has been remarkable. Both have shown to be highly intelligent players. They will need to be more physical to survive an arduous post season. But, they have the ability to do so. Mackenzie and Owen have been nothing but impressive and the coaching staff have shown confidence in both individuals by putting them out in tough and decisive game situations.
Finally, the goaltending of Taryn Kotchorek and Joel Gryzbowski has been outstanding. Their playing situation has reminded the writer of the days when Ken Dryden tended the nets for the Montreal Canadiens. Dryden would often be standing in the net, chin leaning deftly on the end of his goaltenders stick, watching as the high flying Canadiens played fire wagon hockey further up the ice. The North Stars have largely outshot their opposition in most games, but to the credit of Taryn and Joel, they have always stayed focused for 60 minutes and have shown they are proud of their craft. Coach Bedford, being a past member of the goaltending fraternity, must be able to sleep soundly every night knowing that his goalers are top-rate.
The North Stars will need to be focused and disciplined during the post season. Other teams will try to get under their skin and try to induce penalties. If the North Stars play with a high level of maturity, and stay out of the box, they will be successful. Turning the other cheek at this time of the year is what will be required. When you play for your teammates, it takes the selfishness out of the game. And these young lads play for each other. They care for each other. You can tell it in their eyes and in their chatter on the bench. Coaches Bedford and Johnson, and the ever dependable trainer, therapist, do everything guy, Robbie Tanner are going to be taken on a wonderful ride.
Let’s fill the Civic Centre to the rafters. It’s going to be quite an electrically charged atmosphere. These kids that play with the joy of a child, who play for the love of a game, and who play to become men, love the support of the community. And we, as a community, appreciate what they have given to us as they travel throughout our great province. There is only one way to play North Stars hockey—controlled reckless abandon with constant discipline and focus. As Mark Messier used to say, it’s time to ‘shake, rattle, and roll.’
Go North Stars!! We can hardly wait!
Garnet and Ashlyn Elmer
