The first look at Josh Medernach in North Stars' threads, at team practice Monday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Trade Tracker

North Stars acquire Medernach from Whitecourt of AJHL

Nov 6, 2023 | 3:20 PM

Entering the new week riding a four-game winning streak that has seen the team outscore their opposition by a 31-11 margin, the Battlefords North Stars further bolstered their offence over the weekend, with the acquisition of forward Josh Medernach.

A product of Lloydminster, Alta., Medernach was acquired by the team from the Whitecourt Wolverines of the Alberta Junior Hockey League in exchange for a Player Development Fee.

Catching up with battlefordsNOW following his first practice with the team Monday, Medernach said he’s looking forward to the opportunity ahead with the North Stars, after first getting into town to join the team, Sunday.

“I live in Lloyd, so it’s only about an hour away, so it’s really nice [to be] close to family and I’m excited to be here,” he said. “It was a good practice today and it’s been positive vibes and that’s all you can really ask for in a dressing room. The guys have been really welcoming here and I’m just looking forward to it, I’m excited.”

A veteran of 75 games at the Major Junior level, Medernach registered nine points (four goals, five assists) during his time in the Western Hockey League, split between the Red Deer Rebels and Winnipeg Ice over the past four years.

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He becomes the eighth ’03-birthdate on the North Stars’ roster, filling their 20-year-old positions, alongside fellow 20s (listed alphabetically): Kian Bell, Brad Blake, Hunter Burgeson, Riley Girod, Tanner Gold, Alex Izyk, and Evan Waldie.

A versatile player capable of playing both centre or wing, head coach and general manager of the North Stars, Brayden Klimosko said he envisions Medernach primarily at the pivot position, patrolling the middle of the ice as a strong two-way presence.

“He brings a good 200-foot game and he’s going to be a nice centreman to add who will help us in all areas, defensively and offensively,” Klimosko said.

“You can never have enough guys down the middle of the ice, and we go through a pretty tough stretch here where we’ll play 10 games in 23 nights and you never know who’s going to go down with an injury or two, so it just adds a little bit more flexibility on our end and we’re excited about that opportunity to have plenty [of options] to work with.”

Medernach will make his North Stars’ debut Friday night when the team opens their back-to-back with Weyburn on home ice at the Access Communications Centre. The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Broadcast will be available Friday on 1050 CJNB with the Ultra Print Pregame Show at 7 p.m. and puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1