Steven Kesslering (left), Holden Doell (middle) and Jackson Allan (right) all made the list for the SJHL Top 10 Draft Picks of All Time (File Photo/BattlefordsNOW).

By Austin Mattes

Battlefords Best

North Stars named among top SJHL draft picks in history

Jun 5, 2025 | 4:00 PM

With the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Draft on June 10, the SJHL released a list of the league’s top 10 draft picks of all time, and three Battlefords North Stars cracked the top five, including the number one spot.

Taking fifth on the list is forward and this past season’s captain, Jackson Allan.

Allan was drafted 35th overall in the third round of the 2019 draft and, since then, has created a lasting legacy in the organization. Playing three seasons with the team, the Davidson, Sask. product put up 105 points in 160 games and was a part of the championship winning team in 2022/23 that took home a Centennial Cup silver medal.

Apart from his skill on the ice, Allan was also a leader and fan favourite off the ice, so much so, that he even took on a role as assistant coach when he was dealt a season ending injury during the end of his final season.

Recognized as the third-best draft pick in SJHL history is standout North Stars forward Holden Doell.

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Doell was chosen with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 draft and from the get-go, he made his presence known. The Martensville, SK product played in 112 games for the black and silver, notching an impressive 163 points, including a 100-point regular season in 2022/23, where he also led the league in assists with 67.

During that same season, he played a key role for the team, helping them to an SJHL Championship as well as a Centennial Cup silver medal. Doell now plays NCAA D1 hockey for Ferris State University.

Taking the honours at the number one spot is Viceroy, SK product and North Stars forward Steven Kesslering.

Kesslering was drafted 32nd overall in the 3rd round of the 2017 draft and played 189 games for the organization. Through his time with Battlefords, he finished with 165 total points, including a 40-goal campaign during the 2022/23 championship season. However, it was during the playoffs of that same season when he really shined.

Despite being on the second line, Kesslering notched 14 goals and four assists in 13 games and was awarded the SJHL Playoff MVP and then continued his outstanding play in the Centennial Cup, tallying six goals and one assist in seven games. For a third-round pick, Kesslering not only exceeded expectations but went above and beyond, proving his status as the number one draft pick in SJHL history.

Kesserling now plays for the University of Regina Cougars.

To see the full list of the SJHL Top 10 draft picks of all time, visit the SJHL website.

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Austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes