Forward Jared Blaquiere and defenceman Zach Nedelec have a chance to write a spectacular ending to their junior hockey careers.
Not only could the Edam natives find themselves battling for a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League title, but the 20-year-olds can do so playing for the team that is closest to their hometown.
“The support that we’ve felt ever since we got to town has been huge,” Blaquiere said. “This is pretty much our hometown team, so to play for a high-class organization like the North Stars is pretty exciting.
“I never thought I would have a chance to play on a first place team, especially one that’s going to have a bye in the first round of the playoffs. There’s so many people here that believe we can go all the way, and I want to help accomplish that.”
Blaquiere and Nedlece were acquired by the North Stars in a trade with the La Ronge Ice Wolves last Tuesday, in a deal that saw prospects Austin Shumanski, Mackenzie Donovan and Shane Hounsell heading the other way, along with a first round pick in the 2017 SJHL bantam draft and a player development fee.
The move to North Battleford saw Blaquiere and Nedelec get reacquainted with a number of familiar faces that they’ve played with or against over the years.
“To be back playing with some of your buddies has been really cool,” Nedelec said. “We’ve had some tough battles over the last few years, especially with the North Stars being at the top of the league, so it’s good to be on the same side.”
“There’s been some pretty good tussles in the last couple of seasons, especially with our captain Kendall Fransoo,” Blaquiere said. “It’s been fun getting to know everyone again in the dressing room over the last week, after taking them on while with the Ice Wolves.”
Blaquiere led the Ice Wolves in scoring at the time of the deal with 23 points and is coming off of a 50-point campaign in 2015-16.
“It was tough at times in La Ronge, especially in that first year when we were at the bottom of the standings and getting lots of ice time against many of the best players in the league,” Blaquiere said.
“Having that taste of playoff experience last season with the Ice Wolves helped me out a lot, and now I feel like I’ve adapted well to the physical and fast-paced play in the SJHL.”
Nedelec, who put up a career high eight points last season, had four points in 26 games for the Ice Wolves prior to the trade.
“When you’re a younger defenceman going up against the top end forwards, you have to get used to the speed and how the biggest players are to play against,” Nedelec said. “Over time though, I’ve been able to do that and I’ve been able to play my style of game.”
Although both players didn’t record a point last weekend in a pair of home games against the Weyburn Red Wings, Nedelec saw first hand what has made the North Stars the team to beat in the SJHL this year.
“There’s lots of depth throughout the entire lineup,” Nedelec said. “There’s a lot of skill, of course, but everyone comes to work every single night.
“That’s a good sign heading to the playoffs.”
The North Stars will be back in action Saturday in Shellbrook, as they’ll square off against the Notre Dame Hounds as part of Hockey Day in Saskatchewan.
