Carson Olsen of the North Stars quickly established himself as a household name in his first season of SJHL play, and has been recognized with a nomination for CJHL Rookie of the Year. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

National Recognition

North Stars’ Olsen nominated for CJHL Rookie of the Year

Apr 29, 2024 | 7:49 PM

Already the first defenceman in over 20 years to take home SJHL Rookie of the Year honours, Carson Olsen of the Battlefords North Stars is now also up for some national recognition, as one of five nominees for the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Rookie of the Year.

The lone defenceman across the CJHL’s nine member leagues, to be nominated for the award, Olsen said it wasn’t anything he could’ve imagined heading into the year.

“It means a lot,” Olsen said earnestly. “I think just coming into the league you don’t really expect that kind of thing, so it’s nice to get that recognition this year.”

Coupling an easy-going demeanor off-ice with an inner determination to be the best he can be, Olsen’s drive led him to make the North Stars out of camp, and quickly establish himself as a mainstay on the team’s top pairing alongside captain Tanner Gold, playing big minutes against top opposition on a nightly basis.

Making the most of his opportunity, the 17-year-old (’06 birthdate) used his natural gifts as a smooth skater and poised puck-handler to finish the season with 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 51 games, soaking up all he could from his surroundings, on his way to becoming the youngest NCAA Division I commit in North Stars’ history.

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“I thought this year was a lot of fun and I learned a lot, especially from Izzy (Alex Izyk) and Goldie (Tanner Gold), and [coaches] Sambo and Chilly (Brayden Klimosko and Garry Childerhose),” Olsen said, reflecting on his rookie year. “They did a really good job helping me develop my game.”

Rounding out the nominees for CJHL Rookie of the Year are forwards Grady Hoffman of the Steinbach Pistons (MJHL), and Matthew Manza of the Toronto Patriots (OJHL), and goaltenders Noah Tegelaar of the Blind River Beavers (NOJHL) and Jaeden Nelson of the Navan Grads (CCHL).

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

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