Josh Medernach, pictured here in action against Humboldt this season, will continue his hockey career at the next level with NAIT of the ACAC. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

ACAC bound

North Stars’ Medernach talks commitment to NAIT Ooks

Apr 25, 2024 | 12:03 PM

Battlefords North Stars’ forward, Josh Medernach has announced his commitment to the NAIT Ooks for the fall of 2024, joining one of the top collegiate programs in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC).

“It feels great to join the team and the college,” Medernach said of his excitement for the opportunity ahead. “Committing so early was extremely important to me so I can begin my new journey in the Business Education program, also joining a highly successful hockey program.”

Medernach joins a NAIT hockey program that has won four ACAC championships since 2013 and made the league finals two of the last three years.

Bringing a wealth of big-game experience in his own right, Medernach is coming off a lengthy junior career that included a run to last year’s Western Hockey League (WHL) finals with the Winnipeg Ice, and this year’s SJHL semis with the North Stars.

“I’m truly excited about joining this successful team,” Medernach said. “I have been fortunate enough to play on some amazing teams that have had so much success and I’m looking forward to bringing that here as well.”

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Also featuring stops with the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL and Whitecourt Wolverines of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), Medernach finished his junior career with nine points (four goals, five assists) in 75 career WHL games split between Red Deer and Winnipeg, and 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 54 CJHL games split between the North Stars of the SJHL and Whitecourt of the AJHL.

Medernach finished his junior career with 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 36 games with the North Stars this season. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Hailing from Lloydminster, Medernach’s move to Edmonton also serves as a homecoming of sorts to familiar surroundings. He attended high school in Alberta’s capital while playing three seasons with the Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) and Edmonton Prep program from the U15 to U18 levels.

It was there, that the forward laid the foundation for many of the intangibles he’d become known for today, as an impact player beyond the traditional stat sheet.

Whether at centre or on the wing, Medernach’s attention to detail, drive to win battles, and precision at the faceoff dot are all factors head coach of the North Stars, Brayden Klimosko said should continue to make him a valuable piece in whatever role required with the Ooks.

“He’s got such a winning attitude and I think that’s going to be his biggest addition to that team, he’ll do anything for his team and he’ll do anything to win,” Klimosko said. “I’m excited for him, this is a program he was heavily interested in, and I think he’ll fit in nicely there.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1