By Garnet Elmer and Ashlyn Elmer
The Battlefords North Stars continue to work towards finding their identity in this new Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season. After a large exodus of players from last year’s club, the mix of players that have been recruited are beginning to familiarize themselves with their mates. The process continues for the new coaching staff of Brayden Klimosko and Brett Parker. The journey has not been smooth, but that was to be expected. However, the North Stars have no excuses, as many clubs in the SJHL go through the same set of circumstances. This franchise focuses on winning and developing young men for positive futures in the community. At this level of hockey, there is never any rebuilding process, it is moving ahead with what you have at your disposal. It is essential that clubs have experienced scouts and contacts to cover areas in Western Canada and even parts of the United States where they have previously recruited players such as Conor Jensen, Igor Leonenko, and Coby Downs.
At the time of writing of this report, the North Stars were currently in third place in the Global Ag Risk Solutions division. That’s a mouthful – wasn’t it great when we didn’t have business names associated with titles of individual divisions? The divisional competition is tough with the Humboldt Broncos, Kindersley Klippers, and Notre Dame Hounds. It very well could be that all four teams will make the playoffs when the season comes to its conclusion. In order for the North Stars to be successful, they must continue to build with a few additions and, unfortunately, a few deletions. That is the nature of Junior A hockey in Canada.
The November schedule for the North Stars sees them playing eight games at home while playing four games away from the Civic Centre. This includes a remarkable six home games in 10 nights. After the Christmas season, the club has only five home games until the end of the regular season. Conversely, during that time, they have 17 games on the road. North Battleford has the Civic Centre booked for one week in January for the Grand Slam of Curling event. Their 2019 schedule will see them playing over three times the amount of games on the road. It would be interesting to know the circumstances as to why the North Stars are faced with such a timetable of games. Maybe there was a valid reason. However, it might be very difficult for the North Stars to carry a momentum of interest in their product with so few home games in the new year. Let’s hope there is a plan that will address this issue.
Thus far there have been a number of bright spots on the club. The goaltending of Joel Gryzbowski has been superb and was expected. He will be carrying the bulk of the load through the rest of the season. At nineteen years of age, it is expected that he competes for a full 60 minutes, plus any overtime or shoot-out sessions. He is a veteran and much is expected of this quality goaler. It has been a treat to watch Joel the past number of seasons and North Stars fans appreciate his superlative play. For any team to be successful in the SJHL, they require a top flight number one goaltender. Otherwise, they will not succeed in competing for a championship. With Joel at the helm, and his consistent play, the North Stars have a chance of winning on each game night. Points lost through overtime and shoot-outs accumulate over a season, so it is important that the entire club play for two points each night.
The play of Owen Lamb has blossomed this season. From observing him the past few years, you could see he had potential and talent. What was needed was confidence and being placed in a position where he could be successful. Owen is a leader on the club through example. In general, some of the most valuable leaders in team sports are those who communicate with carefully chosen words that are meant to be concise and thoughtful. Owen leads through example, playing hard disciplined hockey, and always with unselfish play. He is a team player. His goal scoring is not a surprise. That ability was always there. His defensive play and penalty killing are superb. His intelligence on the ice is what separates him from others. That is, ultimately, his primary contribution to the club.
Braydon Buziak’s return from the Western Hockey League has been a valuable addition to the team. The writer must admit that based on his play in the preseason and early in the regular season, there was some question as to how much he would contribute. However, it now appears he has regained his high level of motivation and play that is reminiscent of his initial foray with the North Stars where he played with high energy and enthusiasm. For the team to be successful, Braydon must play his game that we are accustomed to, and to be a leader for his younger mates. He has the capacity to be dominant whenever he skates on to the ice.
Cody Spagrud was named the captain at the beginning of the season. That was to be expected. Though he has had a few rough patches, Cody is now playing the consistent variety of hockey that includes sound defensive play with contributions on the offensive side when appropriate. Cody has had a few defensive partners thus far in the season, and his experience has enabled other younger players to become better at their game. That is his role and he has not disappointed. It will be expected that he continues to perform at a high level that is expected of a veteran leader.
Matthias Urbanski has had a hot start to the season. He has a dynamic presence on the ice with his smooth skating ability that takes him by defenders on a consistent basis. As a result, he has been productive in the goal scoring department. However, lately, his play has not been as dominant. As a second player we know his play will return to the level that he expects from himself. He can control the ice surface when he plays with his usual controlled reckless abandon.
Tanner Robin has been playing the epitome of North Stars hockey. He is relentless on the forecheck and has stuck his nose in and not been afraid of the physical play. At the same time, he has remained disciplined and made a positive contribution on the ice. His play has been improving by leaps and bounds. It has been terrific to see this young player progress.
And then there is the play of our brothers, Elijah and Quintin Loon-Stewardson. Though they are from Ontario, they play like tough Western Canadian players with grit and determination. Both are terrific players and they play for their teammates. Elijah engages in sound defensive hockey and contributes offensively when the opportunity arises. Quinton’s play has improved vastly in recent games having been given more responsibility. It is great to see this pair continue to succeed as their contribution will be needed as the season progresses and, especially, in the playoffs.
There has been a plethora of new defensemen on the team this year and there have been some periods of unsteadiness. However, now is the time for players such as Tanner Scott, Jacob Bayne, Seth Summers, Adam Weiner, and Noah Form to step up and make the necessary strides to be able to compete at this level. There have been glimpses of greatness in each of these individuals. However, they will need to be more consistent in their play. The success of the club depends on it.
What can be said of this year’s version of the North Stars is they play hard and for sixty minutes. If they get down in a game, they battle back. The Coaches are dedicated to the success of the lads. Thus far, this North Stars team has been inconsistent, but they are going through a process. They do have the ability to have a dominant second half of the schedule if they bear down, dedicate themselves to team play, and play disciplined. There is no reason why they can’t make a run at a Championship. It takes belief and hard work.
Let’s fill the Civic Centre. The lads deserve it. It is terrific entertainment and shows pride in the community!
