Dear Editor
The post-season has begun with our Battlefords North Stars disposing of the Kindersley Klippers in a tough five-game series that was closer than anticipated. Even though, on paper, the series appeared one-sided, the Klippers came to play every night and gave the Battlefords club all they could handle. However, the North Stars did prevail and they are preparing for games one and two in the ancient, but boisterous Civic Centre that take place Friday and Saturday evening.
The post-season begins with every club on an even playing surface. By virtue of placing first in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League during the regular season, the North Stars earned the right to home-ice advantage for the duration of the playoffs. However, that one game can disappear rather quickly with an odd bounce or an off night.
The North Stars began the series against the Klippers with three major contributors out of the lineup — Dustin Gorgi, Reed Delainey and Jake McMillen. All three are in their last year with the club, so it was certainly a tough way to begin a series. During the first two games of the series in North Battleford, it appeared that some of the pressure of having to compensate for the losses of their three veteran teammates was affecting a few of the players, who perhaps felt added pressure to score and score in bunches.
The situation was exacerbated when Baxter Kanter was given a one-game suspension after their sole loss in Kindersley. The return of Gorgi to the lineup was instantly felt as he scored an empty-net goal in his playoff debut. Gorgi has been a tower of strength with his character showing through each game night.
Kanter was back in game number five, patrolling his usual spot on the left wing. The loss of Kanter cannot be underestimated. For the past two seasons, he has arguably been the hardest working member of the club and comes to play every night. And he provides size and toughness that brings confidence to the club. It is imperative he stay out of the penalty box as much as possible, as his presence is so valued on the ice.
After a relatively slow start, Igor Leonenko has returned to his spectacular playing form of the regular season. His effort this season has been nothing but inspiring. When he plays with toughness, ignoring the banter and feeble attempts by the opposition who try to intimidate him, his play electrifies the ice surface and the fans can be spellbound by his ability to control the play. It appears he is back to his dominating self. A tough team like Flin Flon should bring out the best in our highlight reel No. 25.
And talking about the movies, wasn’t that a spectacular goal by Layne Young in game number five. The penalty shot left the Kindersley goaltender naked and sprawled on the ice. The proverbial jock strap was nowhere to be found, leaving the Kindersley trainer left to scramble for the replacement part. The writer says this in jest. However, it was a spectacular move by Young. It is something we have come to expect from this young gentleman. He is a pilot on ice as his vision is laser-like. It wouldn’t surprise the writer one bit that Young enters the coaching fraternity once he is done his lengthy playing career.
There have been two other players who have caught the eye of many a fan during the past season. They are young defensemen Cody Spagrud and Levi Kleiboer — my Boer warrior. Their play has been solid and has contributed to a steady and dependable defensive core. If we manage to hold on to Conor Jensen and Ryan Rosenberg, and with the anticipated return of Kendall Fransoo and Connor Sych, we will have a spectacular set of defensemen next season.
The play of Tyler Fuhr, a late season addition from the Estevan Bruins (who have the best logo in the league) has been as anticipated. Fuhr shows adept concentration every night and will rarely let in an easy goal. He is almost Grant Fuhr-like. It has given his teammates confidence, something that is so important for the psyche of any club. Some of the saves Fuhr has made have been simply outstanding, something that matches the terrific decision in acquiring this goaltender from the Bruins. Another solid acquisition has been Rory Davidson. This speedy sparkplug has been instrumental, along with his line mates, in shutting down the key offensive players of the opposition.
The play of unsung players will be valued on the march to a championship. Jordan Townsend, Brayden Buziak, Troy Gerein, Bryce Hall and Braydon Buziak have all contributed mightily. Their style of play suits playoff hockey and they have sparkled in their play. At this time of year, their work on the ice is indispensable and appreciated. They are the unsung heroes and the glue that holds a club together.
And then there are the heart and soul guys you may not see on the score sheet, but who are major elements of the club, as they give their all each and every night — Jordan Wiest and Logan Nachtegaele. You can see the dedication in their eyes and the fire in their step. Not the most gifted of players, but you could never challenge their character and integrity on the ice.
And, then, there is Coby Downs. Enough said.
So, let`s all head out and pack the Civic Centre and cheer the North Stars on against the Flin Flon Bombers. Starting in game one, the first step on the ice, one shift at a time, we will need to outwork the Bombers and overcome any adversity that is placed before us. Our team is hungry to compete and to win. They do have the will to win for each other. Go North Stars!
Garnet Elmer
