The Battlefords North Stars took to the ice Friday for opening day of Fall Camp. Pictured front row L-R: Lucas Ouellette, Carter Bell, KT Walters. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Stars Hockey Returns

North Stars fall camp signals start of hockey season

Aug 27, 2021 | 4:56 PM

There was a real buzz at the Access Communications Centre Friday, as the Battlefords North Stars kicked off day one of their Fall Camp for the 2021-22 season.

Defenceman, Wilson Steele is among the returning players at camp this year, which will run throughout the weekend, Aug. 27-29. He said following an extended offseason, he couldn’t be more excited to be back in the community, and at the rink with the team.

“There was definitely lots of excitement leading up to today, so to get to see all the boys at the rink and then actually get back on the ice and get to compete with each other again was really exciting, and especially after how last year went,” Steele said.

With both teams coming out flying from the first scrimmage, it didn’t take long for the competitive juices to get flowing as well, something Steele noted as a real positive.

MISSING WOMAN

Search underway for missing woman in Pierceland: RCMP

13h ago

Health

La Ronge medical residency program proven to be valuable asset for recruitment

13h ago

Assault on landlord

Family says injured landlord is recovering, but paralyzed and can't speak

13h ago

“It was a really good pace out there today, with lots of bodies getting thrown and lots of competitiveness, and that’s what you want to see to set the tone for the weekend,” he said.

Fellow returnee, third-year forward Ryland McNinch, who had two goals in his team’s opening scrimmage game, also noted with a smile just how good it felt to get back to the rink today and reconnect with teammates following the extended summer.

“It’s been awesome just to see all the boys back after the long offseason, and catch up a bit and give them a hug,” McNinch said. “Camp-wise I thought it was really good pace too, so it was fun out there.”

Goaltender, Ulrik Roussel flashes a smile following scrimmage action on Day one of Stars Fall Camp Friday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Eighty players total were invited to the team’s fall camp this weekend, making up five scrimmage teams, in addition to another four teams of unaffiliated prospects and draft-eligible players who have also make their way to North Battleford to take part in the weekend of drills, scrimmages and team bonding.

Among the younger players at main camp looking to make an impact with the team this year is forward, Ethan Scriven.

Still just 17-years of age, the product of nearby Warman, was signed by the North Stars this summer following an impressive showing at the U18 Double-A level in 2019-20 that saw the forward register 35 points in 33 games for his hometown, Warman Wildcats.

“It was great to get back on the ice and get the feet moving out there today,” Scriven said. “I think the veterans really bring the intensity up and just seeing Ryland [McNinch] getting the boys ready for warmups and then some of the younger guys coming in and playing hard too, it should be a fun weekend.”

The North Stars Fall Camp will feature scrimmage games back-to-back throughout the day Friday until 10 p.m.

Saturday, the scrimmage schedule will again run throughout the day, with the first game beginning at 10 a.m., and last one wrapping up at 9:15 p.m.

Sunday there will be a final three games, with the first beginning at 9:15 a.m., and the final wrapping up at 1 p.m. The full scrimmage schedule is available on the North Stars Facebook page.

—

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1