Forward Jake Southgate and his North Stars teammates will open their pre-season schedule Monday in Kindersley. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)
Stars on ice

Stars training camp continues in preparation for pre-season Monday

Sep 2, 2021 | 6:32 PM

In less than 96 hours, the Battlefords North Stars will take to the ice to open their pre-season versus the rival Kindersley Klippers at the West Central Events Centre in Kindersley.

Following fall camp weekend from August 27 to 29, the North Stars have continued their training and conditioning over the last week through off-ice fitness testing and several battle drills during on-ice practices in preparation for the start of the pre-season; something veteran forward, Jake Southgate said seems to be working well.

“The intensity’s been amped up over these last few days, and we’ve had a couple two-a-day practices, so guys are getting more comfortable around the rink and it’s [led to] a lot better intensity,” Southgate said.

“It’s good to see the intensity of the young guys with those youthful legs too, just with trying to keep up with them,” he added with a smile. “But it’s just been nice seeing all the guys come in ready for the season.”

Follow Twitter thread to also view post-practice interview with defenceman, Easton Rask. (Twitter/MartyMartyPxP1)

While main camp last weekend began with 80 players, the number of roster hopefuls by Sunday was quickly whittled in half to 40. Now at 33 heading into the pre-season, the team will look to make their final cuts to round out the roster at 25 by opening night of the regular season later this month.

Despite the competition however, 17-year-old rookie blue liner, Easton Rask said as a younger guy signed to the team this year, it’s been a fun experience getting to know the veterans and the many fellow first-years looking to make an impact with the club this season.

“It’s been really good, and I’m fitting in well with lots of the guys,” he said of his week. “I’ve been pretty banged up over the last couple of days, but overall it’s been good…being able to start young and get a feel for the league for when you get older; I think it’s a great thing. Brayden [Klimosko] is a great coach and he’s great with the young guys.”

A look at a practice drill in progress at the Access Communications Centre Thursday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

The North Stars will open their pre-season schedule Monday, Sept. 6, with two games in Kindersley. The first will be a rookie game at 1 p.m., followed by a main camp contest as well at 4 p.m. The team will then return home to play the Klippers again, for their pre-season home opener Wednesday, Sept. 8.

The North Stars regular season will begin at home Sept. 24 versus Kindersley.

To view the North Stars’ full pre-season schedule, click here.

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1

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