The Battlefords North Stars are optimistic to be able to return to the ice and resume their season sometime soon. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Hopeful for Hockey

North Stars remain hopeful for return following latest league update

Jan 4, 2021 | 1:35 PM

The start of the new year is a time of hope and anticipation for what lies ahead.

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) recently released a statement signalling a continued optimism for a return to play this season. Although the league’s official statement did point out any decisions on return dates will likely not be determined until after January 15.

The league said as they continue to have discussions with the Saskatchewan government and Sask. Health Authority, the number of cases and people hospitalized due to COVID-19 will likely be among the key factors that will weigh into any timetable on a possible return from the province.

Head coach of the Battlefords North Stars Brayden Klimosko, said until the season is granted the proverbial ‘green-light’ to continue, the players will remain at home, as they have been since mid-December when the fall season was initially put on hold.

“Obviously you’ve got guys coming in from different provinces and really you don’t want to push your luck until the government gives you the go-ahead,” he said. “So for now they’re better off at home and self-isolating at the moment, and [if/when] we’re able to get the go-ahead, they’ll be here as quickly as possible.”

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It’s been a truly unprecedented season this year for the Stars, as it has every team in the SJHL, with the current halt to play and so much uncertainty still surrounding the schedule due to the pandemic.

Klimosko said he’s been on the phone often during the pause, reaching out to the players and staying in contact despite the distance.

The veteran coach pointed out it remains as important as ever to ensure everyone’s on the same page and staying as prepared as possible, as a return to action will likely mean a quick turnaround for players.

“It’s been a lot of calling and texting and just really checking in,” Klimosko said of his last couple of weeks. “We’re all just kind of waiting to see whatever’s laid out for us, and we’ll do our best to make the most of it. I think overall, we’re all just hoping they give us a chance to play again and we feel pretty confident they will.”

Klimosko said when the opportunity should arise to return to the ice, the work put in by players on their own time during the layoff could prove the difference between getting off to a quick start out of the gate or a sluggish one.

“You’ve got to be excited, but you’ve also got to be prepared to go at any time,” Klimosko said. They might give you the go-ahead and then you only have a couple weeks to get your body physically ready, so you’ve got to be doing the work now in the gym. We’ll be ready to go, and be excited when we get the opportunity.”

The SJHL also announced in their statement with all hockey being delayed in Saskatchewan, the annual league draft which is regularly held in early June, will be moved to a later date this year yet to be determined.

For all the latest on the North Stars and plans regarding a return to play this season, stay tuned to battlefordsNOW.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1