Timberjaks junior hockey club quickly becoming a source of community pride and player growth

“The team is comprised of 90 per cent local kids who, if they wanted to continue playing hockey, would have had to leave the city, or maybe join rec hockey,” said Malenfant. “This is a good way of keeping that glue, that group of kids together. So, it’s a win for our community and our young people who get to stay active here and you know, selfishly, the parents – we all love it because we get to watch our kids play for another two or three years.”

The team is coached by Stef Corfmat who played pro in the minors and has spent years as a scout for teams in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. He’s joined on the ice by Kim Issell, who is no stranger to hockey in Prince Albert. Issell played with the Prince Albert Raiders, 1985 memorial cup winning team, in the Western Hockey League and got drafted to the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers in the first round before playing in Europe. New to the coaching staff this year is Layne Matechuk. He played two years with the AAA Mintos and with the SJHL Humboldt Broncos. Mark Odnokon is also on the staff. He played SJHL and NCAA hockey and a season in the International Hockey League. In 1990, he joined the coaching staff of the Raiders and is currently their Director of Skill and Development. Mark also worked as a pro scout for the NHL Anaheim Ducks from 1993-2000.

While the team itself is younger than most typical Junior B teams, Corfmat said the caliber of play is growing.

“It’s not like it used to be. It used to be a pretty rough and tough league. Now, you’ve got a lot more kids with a lot more skill, a lot of them choose Junior B so they can still play and focus on school and work,” Corfmat said.

Head coach Stef Corfmat with some of his players. (Facebook/Prince Albert Timberjaks)

The team is working its way up the standings this season, but they are at the top of the PJHL when it comes to leading scorer. In mid-January, Keethan Isbister had 61 points while the closest player behind him had 54.

Malenfant emphasized the team’s purpose goes beyond competition. For the players, being part of the Timberjaks is the chance to engage in the community in meaningful ways as contributing citizens too.

“We’ve got good community partners here that are giving some of our kids an opportunity for employment. We have a couple of rules to be on the team: you either go to school or you work, otherwise you can’t be on the team,” said Malenfant. “We just want to make sure they get up in the morning and they’re contributing in some sort of fashion.”

As business owners in town, Ken and his wife Jan believe in investing in the community and part of displaying that pride was helping to enhance the home of the Timberjaks. The Northern Regional Rec Centre, formerly known as Buckland Arena, had already undergone some updates to its lobby, upstairs hall, and bar. Malenfant and a group of volunteers undertook some major renovations themselves by adding a coaches office, training facility, showers, bathroom, lounge for players and a dressing room that rivals those of some SJHL or WHL teams.

“If it weren’t for people like Ken and Jan, there wouldn’t be a team here and that’s plain and simple,” said Corfmat.

The Timberjaks dressing room is impressive and rivals some in the SJHL or WHL. (Facebook/Prince Albert Timberjaks)

The facility has helped build a sense of brotherhood for the players since they have a place to bond off the ice, and its enhanced the game experience for fans who can enjoy a beverage while watching the action from the upstairs lounge.

“We’re pretty proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. Our volunteers are unmatched, we’ve built a strong and loyal following.” said Malenfant.

The Timberjaks home arena is the Northern Regional Rec Centre, formerly known as Buckland Rink. (Facebook/Prince Albert Timberjaks)

Whether its youth from P.A. Minor Hockey cheering for their role models or diehard hockey fans just looking for a fun night out, the club’s home games have become an event for all ages. Corfmat said the community’s support is what allows the team to thrive.

“I think it’ a pretty good product. Not many local 17-21 yr olds in Prince Albert get the chance to play competitive hockey in their home town.”

If you head to a home game, don’t be surprised to see a film crew wandering the rink. The Timberjaks are being featured in a documentary series. The impressive production offers an inside look at how the Junior B team operates while introducing viewers to the players and tough situations that come with being involved in a competitive sport.

With its strong ties to the community and commitment to local player development, the Timberjaks Hockey Club has become a source of pride for many. It’s importance to the community is only set to increase, solidifying its place as an institution worth rallying behind.

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*This featured article was produced by paNOW”s commercial content division.

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Timberjaks junior hockey club quickly becoming a source of community pride and player growth

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