Pictured L-R: North Stars, Lowen Kenyon, Jordan Grill, Ulrik Roussel and Matthew Henry welcome in the Christmas season at the Access Communications Centre. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

'Tis the Season

North Stars share favorite Christmas traditions, holiday pastimes

Dec 23, 2021 | 10:00 AM

During the Christmas season, our team at Pattison Media is once again producing positive stories based around holiday traditions and accomplishments for the region.

battlefordsNOW reporter and voice of the North Stars, Marty Martinson caught up with members of the Stars to talk their favorite seasonal traditions and festivities for the holidays.

For Stars’ forward, Steven Kesslering, the season offers an opportunity to reconnect with family, and spend quality time together.

“I’d say the best part of Christmas is going home and getting to see all my family,” Kesslering said. “I spend a lot of time away during the year, so it’s always nice to get back and [visit with] them.”

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Pictured R-L (Front to back): Ethan Scriven, Easton Johns, Brad Blake and Tanner Gold. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

While Christmas movies and holiday baking may be staples of the season for some, for defenceman Riley Little and family, it’s a chance to get outdoors and spend quality time in nature, braving the elements.

“For me it’s just going home, seeing family and friends, and spending Christmas with family, then going out to the lake for some snowmobiling and ice fishing,” he said.

Pictured L-R: Jake Southgate, Ryland McNinch and Tynan Ewart spread some holiday cheer after practice. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

On a similar note, both forwards Brad Blake and Emmett Wurst, said even the holidays are a time to share in their passion for hockey while together with family.

“We all go to my grandmother’s house and out to the outdoor rink to have some fun [playing hockey] then watch the World Juniors,” Blake said.

“[And] every year my family have our annual pond hockey game after opening up some presents; which is always a good time,” Wurst chimed.

Pictured L-R: Riley Little, Steven Kesslering, Colby Bear and Emmett Wurst decked out in Christmas hats for the season. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

While the games are fun, perhaps nothing defines the season across the spectrum, like a hearty Christmas meal.

“When our family gets together we always have a big turkey supper,” Tanner Gold said. “So that’s always fun too.”

“Oh, Christmas Day always starts off with some cinnamon buns in the morning and a big breakfast,” veteran blue liner, Sam Witt recalled. “Then it’s on to presents and stockings.”

From sledding and wiener roasting with Colby Bear and family, to fondue for Easton Johns and Chinese food and classic Christmas movies with Trevor Kennedy and crew, one thing is for sure; no matter how the season is spent, the traditions and time with family are what make the season bright.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1