Battlefords North Stars defenceman Levi Kleiboer is heading back to Saskatchewan with a gold medal around his neck.
The 19-year-old from Martensville helped Canada West to their fifth World Junior A Challenge title, and their first since 2015, as they defeated the United States by a score of 5-1 in the championship game Saturday in Truro, N.S.
Kleiboer, who dressed in every game of the tournament and was the first ever North Stars player to take part in the event , got his team’s offence started on a penalty kill in the first period as he made a perfect breakout pass to set up Langley Rivermen forward Brendan Budy on a shorthanded breakaway.
Langley’s Angus Crookshank, Corey Andonovski of the Chilliwack Chiefs, Ross Armour of the Trail Smoke Eaters and Dylan Holloway of the Okotoks Oilers had the other goals for Canada West, who lost both of their round-robin games but rebounded with wins over Canada East and the Czech Republic to qualify for the final.
Jack Drury of the USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks had the lone goal for the United States, who were looking to win back-to-back World Junior A Challenge titles.
Kleiboer and Flin Flon Bombers forward Chrystopher Collin, who was held off of the score sheet in the tournament, became the first SJHL players to win a gold medal since former Humboldt Broncos forward Riley Kieser in 2011.
Bombers head coach Mike Reagan also became the first SJHL bench boss to win a gold medal for Canada West, which also featured players from the Alberta Junior Hockey League, British Columbia Hockey League and Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
While Klieboer and Collin are celebrating their title, their teammates will be doing battle at the Civic Centre tonight in a 7:30 p.m. tilt.
Kleiboer is expected to be back in the North Stars lineup on Friday, Dec. 29 at the Civic Centre, as the team will return from their Christmas break to host the Kindersley Klippers.
