A look in from the North Stars' team awards banquet, Friday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

2023-24 Team Awards

North Stars celebrate best of season with year-end awards

Apr 13, 2024 | 10:00 AM

The Battlefords North Stars held their annual year-end team awards banquet Friday at the Access Communications Centre, giving the players, staff, families and billets one last chance to come together to celebrate the best of the 2023-24 hockey season.

Kian Bell, who this season became the first player in SJHL history to repeat as league MVP, was also naturally, named the team’s regular season MVP and Top Forward as well. Bell also took home the Top Scorer Award with his league-high 94 points, as well as the North West Hockey Development Association Scholarship Award.

Kian Bell receives the North Stars’ Regular Season MVP Award, presented by North Stars’ assistant coaches Garry Childerhose and Matt Procyshen. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Captain, Tanner Gold and SJHL Defenceman of the Year finalist, Alex Izyk split the team’s Most Valuable Defenceman Award, for their efforts leading a young Battlefords’ blue line. Serving as the team’s lone 20-year-old defenders, both finished top-five in defenceman scoring with 56 points in 50 games (Izyk) and 50 points in 51 games (Gold).

Alex Izyk and Tanner Gold receive the North Stars’ Most Valuable Defenceman Award. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

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Brad Blake received the Fan’s Choice Award, as voted on late in the season by the North Stars’ faithful, and said it’s something he really takes to heart.

“It means so much to me; the Battlefords has been so good to me, and they’ve welcomed me in with open arms,” Blake said. “Over the three years it’s been the best of my life, and I can’t even put into words how thankful I am for this place. Just to come here tonight to celebrate together, all the staff, us 20s, and the future of the program as well, it’s pretty special. Tonight will be a memory I’ll have for the rest of my life.”

Brad Blake receives the North Stars’ Fan Choice Award. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Carson Olsen, who took home SJHL Rookie of the Year honours, with a 30-point campaign from the blue line in just his 17-year-old season, was also named the Stars’ Rookie of the Year, headlining the team’s impressive freshman contingent.

Carson Olsen receives the North Stars’ Rookie of the Year Award. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Fellow first-years Colton Getzlaff and Gavin Granger were also recognized – Getzlaff taking home the team’s Most Improved and Most Dedicated awards for his work ethic throughout the year, while Granger was recognized as the team’s Humanitarian of the Year recipient for his involvement in the community.

Colton Getzlaff received the North Stars’ Most Improved Player and Most Dedicated Awards. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Gavin Granger receives the North Stars’ Humanitarian Award. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Ben Portner, who built on a tremendous 69-point regular season with another five goals and nine points on the team’s run to the semi-finals of the post-season, was named Playoff MVP.

Ben Portner receives the North Stars’ Playoff MVP Award. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Jordan Grill, who excelled as the team’s Swiss Army Knife, rotating between top-six forward and minute-munching defenceman throughout the year, received the Coach’s Choice Award, with head coach Brayden Klimosko stating once again, “Griller’s a guy I wished I could have two of out there, to play both forward and defence.”

Jordan Grill receives the North Stars’ Coach’s Choice Award. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Klimosko called the night’s awards banquet, “a nice way to end the year off on a high note,” following what was another deep run for the North Stars to the league semi-finals.

“I don’t think you can ever complain about a final-four finish,” Klimosko said, reflecting back on the year. “A lot of bounces here or there can happen to make the finals or not, so the guys have got to be pretty proud, and especially the way we slowly just got better [throughout the year]. There’s obviously lots to be excited for again next year.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

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