Dear Editor
We are approaching the midway point of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League schedule for the Battlefords North Stars. After a relatively slow start, they have quickly come together as a team and, at the time of writing of this piece, they are situated in first place in the Finning Division and first in the overall league standings. Very impressive, indeed, for a group where there are many newcomers to the team who have had to adapt to the community and the travel required to play opponents.
Much of the credit must go to the coaching staff that consists of Nate Bedford and Braeden Johnson. It would appear their dynamic with the players and their organizational and coaching abilities have molded this team into a cohesive unit that enjoys playing for each other. For a coaching staff to be successful, they must be on the same page philosophically, and they also must be able to co-exist in a harmonious environment where personalities don’t clash. The North Stars organization is very fortunate to have two quality people at the helm. It provides for excellence and stability. And the club should also be grateful to have an excellent trainer in Robert Tanner. Often overlooked, but vital to keeping players fit and on the ice, Robert is an important cog in the preparation of the on-ice performance.
The Battlefords North Stars have also benefited from having a number of players who have been raised in the community and who have provided leadership and mentorship to new teammates who are unfamiliar with their new surroundings. Kendall Fransoo, Connor Sych, Logan Nachtegaele, Jayden Nachtegaele, Owen Lamb and Taryn Kotchorek are from the Battlefords. In addition, Layne Young is from the Frenchman Butte area. Credit should be afforded to these individuals for helping their brothers in adapting to the team and to the community.
Over the past number of years, the Battlefords North Stars have developed a culture of excellence. This has translated into a winning record and an atmosphere at the rink that exudes confidence and dedication. The North Stars have shown a competitive focus of trying to dominate their opposition and it has been successful. The season is long and it is difficult to expect the players to be at the top of their game on every game night. There have been some nights where the energy coming out of the gate hasn’t been top shelf. However, these lads care and they appear to have the psychological make up and determination that will make them successful, not only in the regular season, but also in the post season where they will need to up their game in order to compete for the league title, something which is a distinct possibility, if they continue to play their relentless style of play. They are an exciting hockey team. But, most of all, they want to win and to play for each other, for their coach and for their community.
At the outset of the season, and upon examination of the roster, it was ascertained that a veteran group of defencemen would be the core of this hockey club. With Levi Kleiboer, Cody Spagrud, Kendall Fransoo, Ryan Rosenberg, Conor Jensen, Connor Sych and newcomer, Connor Manegre, it was expected this team would have a good goals against average. That has come to fruition, and there is no reason not to expect excellence in this category as they proceed through the regular season and into the playoff season.
All the defensive pairings have been excellent. The play of Levi Kleiboer and Cody Spagrud needs to be singled out as they have become a pair of shut-down anchors at their position. In addition, Captain Kendall Fransoo, has shown a vast improvement in his game and he is staying out of the penalty box, which is a big plus as he is needed on the ice. Since returning from an early season injury, Conor Jensen has bolstered an already solid blue line crew. Conner Manegre has provided toughness and complements Ryan Rosenberg as two fearless defensemen. Connor Sych is also a player who needs to be disciplined in staying away from the penalty brigade, as his skills are needed on the ice.
The Battlefords North Stars forward contingent has also been impressive. The club has the needed depth which will be required as the season progresses. The writer has been impressed with the dedication and play of Owen Lamb who quietly plays his position well. He is a solid two-way player. It is evident he takes pride in his defensive game and has also chipped in offensively. Veteran players, Brett Horn and Keaton Holinaty have also upped their game considerably and will be a needed presence as the season progresses. Their play has been impressive, to say the least, in recent weeks. The rest of the forward crew should be praised for dedication to their craft and for their winning attitude.
The play of goaltenders, Taryn Kotchorek and Joel Gryzbowski has been spectacular. Their play has given the entire team the confidence to play with relentless abandon. They have not had to worry about making the occasional mistake, which does happen. That means so much to the team. There is no reason why the team goals against average cannot lead the league by the end of the regular season. They are that good.
The community should be proud of their hockey club. They play the right way, they play North Stars hockey. The writer anticipates the rink will continue to fill to capacity on game nights, as it is a real treat to watch a product on the ice that is dedicated to excellence.
Garnet Elmer (with smaller, but essential, sidekick Ashlyn Elmer)
North Battleford
