Faris Meddeb, pictured here in action snapping a puck on goal from his point position. (Submitted photo/Faris Meddeb)
Stars Recent Signing

Meddeb brings offensive spark to North Stars’ blue line

Jun 30, 2023 | 11:00 AM

At 5-foot-9 and just over 150 pounds, recent Battlefords North Stars signing, Faris Meddeb may not be the biggest defenseman on the ice, but that’s never stopped him from making an impact at each level he’s played.

An 18-year-old rearguard from Calgary, Alta., Meddeb spent last season with his hometown Calgary Buffaloes U18 AAA team of the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL), where he registered 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists) in 34 games, to finish second on the team amongst defensemen in scoring.

Meddeb said bringing that offensive spark from the backend has always been a calling card of his as a player.

“I’d like to say I’m a good skater and smart defenseman who has an accurate shot and likes to play on the offensive side when I can,” he said of his game.

No stranger to the big stage as well, the smooth-skating rearguard followed up his regular season performance with another three assists in six games on the Buffaloes’ run to the “A” Final at the Circle K Classic (formerly Mac’s U18 AAA Tournament).

Meddeb said the decision to sign with the North Stars came about pretty naturally after seeing the team’s run to the SJHL championship, on their way to competing on the national stage at the Centennial Cup, about which time he received a call from head scout, Wylie Riendeau.

Riendeau said Meddeb has the potential to be an impact presence from the blue line for years to come.

“We’ve been tracking him the last couple of years, and he had a really good season with the Buffaloes out there in Calgary,” he said. “He was one of their top defensemen and has really good offensive instincts and is good on the power play. He’s definitely a guy we’re going to hope transitions into a power play guy for us and that can provide some offense from the backend.”

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1

View Comments