Defencemen, Brodie McLeod (foreground) and Jordan Grill (background) will be paired on the blue line for the Battlefords in their opening pre-season game, following a strong camp together on the backend. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Stars Hockey Returns

North Stars kick off pre-season at Flying Dust First Nation

Aug 31, 2022 | 2:45 PM

The Battlefords North Stars will kick off their pre-season schedule Wednesday night at Flying Dust First Nation for a neutral site game versus the Bonnyville Pontiacs.

The first of six games on the team’s pre-season slate, returning North Stars’ forward, Ty Bahm, said the occasion brings with it an air of anticipation around the rink.

“I’m really excited to be heading into the game tonight and all the boys seem excited, so it’s just nice to get back on the ice and see how we do tonight,” the third-year veteran said.

“I thought camp was really good this year, everyone came back in good shape and it was a really competitive camp, so hopefully we can come out and start fast, play physical, play our game and score some goals.”

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

North Battleford Repair Café promotes reuse over waste

10m ago

Alert continues

Mysterious substance alert remains in Battlefords area

2h ago

Middle Eastern Conflict

Canada secures limited seats on commercial flights from Lebanon as conflict widens

3h ago

Bahm will be one of a pair of returning Stars’ players — along with Matthew Henry — who will line up flanking center, Kobie Anderson Wednesday.

Anderson, an 18-year-old Battlefords local, will be playing his first exhibition contest with the Stars since committing to the team back in the spring.

Having played the last two years with the Battlefords AAA Stars, Anderson put up a team-high 18 goals last year, while finishing second in points with 37 in 39 games. He said getting the chance to break in with the local junior club this season is something he’s been working towards for some time.

“It’s really exciting for me, I grew up in the Battlefords and always wanted to play for this team,” Anderson said with a smile. “It’s a big jump from AAA to SJHL I think, but going into camp I got to get used to that pace a little bit and I’m just excited to get back into it.”

Anderson is one of a promising youth contingent again this year for the North Stars, working to break through at the junior level with the team.

Fellow 18-year-olds, Jackson Allan and Jace Kramer, are also among the young players looking to make a lasting impression during the pre-season, following a strong showing at camp over the weekend.

Allan, who’s from just an hour south of Saskatoon in Davidson, played the last two seasons with the Moose Jaw Warriors U18 AAA team, putting up 38 points in 30 games in the ’21-22 season.

Lining up between veterans Steven Kesslering and Emmett Wurst for Wednesday’s pre-season opener, Allan said he’s just looking to play to his strengths and do what he can to get his linemates involved.

“I’m a fast centerman and I bring a lot of speed to the game, so it pays for me to bust through the middle fast and get breakout passes, feeding those guys wide and working down low,” Allan said.

“I’m really excited coming into [the pre-season]; the guys have been great, the coaching is awesome and camp went really smoothly. It’s competitive out here and it’s tough to make the team, so I’m excited to be part of it.”

Kramer, another North Battleford hometown boy who cut his teeth at the grassroots level with Battlefords Minor Hockey, also spoke to the opportunity ahead this pre-season.

Having played the last two years with the North West Stars U18 AA team, and putting up 20 points in 33 games last year, Kramer said he’s willing to play any role required to help the team.

“I just need to play with speed and do whatever they need,” Kramer said. “I’m a good passer and I look for passes more than a shot, so hopefully I can set up a few guys, get some goals and go from there. It feels pretty good just getting back and starting up the season, it’s going to be really exciting to see what we can do here.”

Flying Dust First Nation is located just 10 minutes northeast of Meadow Lake. Wednesday’s pre-season game will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Pre-season games will not be aired on the radio. The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcasts will begin with the start of the regular season schedule, Sept. 16.

—

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1