The AAA Stars are looking ahead to a promising 2025/26 season. (Byron Hildebrand/Facebook)

By Austin Mattes

Off-Season Preview

‘Our goal is to make the playoffs’: AAA Stars headed in right direction ahead of 2025-26 season

Jul 7, 2025 | 6:00 PM

A new chapter is underway for the U18 AAA Battlefords Stars as they prepare for the 2025–26 season, aiming to reset their course and build momentum under newly appointed head coach Martin Smith.

Coming off a 14-16-4 record last season and looking to return to playoff form for the first time since 2022, the Stars are emphasizing growth, commitment, and a stronger team identity heading into training camp.

“I think that we have something to prove this year. The biggest thing is just to forget about the past but learn from it and move forward. We will see some good returning veterans coming back into the fold, plus we’ve got two good goaltenders to carry us through as well. It’s going to be a total team effort and we’re going to be a hard-working club that is going to be tough to play against every night,” said Smith.

The Stars have already made key additions during the offseason, signing seven new players:

• Forwards: Nate Helmeczi, Noah Larre, Gage Cornish, Crosby Cole, and Chance Regush
• Defenceman: Darryl McKenzie
• Goaltender: Cody Marciniuk

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Smith is optimistic about the group, including two players he previously coached.

“I’m very familiar with Gage Cornish and Crosby Cole. I coached them on the U15 team and they’re definitely going to bring some energy,” Smith said.

The coaching staff is also looking forward to the leadership and consistency of returning veterans. Defenceman Lukamus Lehman will be entering his third year with the club, and the potential return of Millar Kramer from the SJHL’s North Stars will add experience and strength to the blue line.

“We are looking forward to Lukamus Lehman on the back end, and then if we get Millar Kramer back from the North Stars, that is really going to solidify our defence. Aaron Kowalyk is another guy who came in halfway through last season to fill an empty spot, and we are expecting things from him on the offensive side,” said Smith.

With depth in mind and a more structured approach heading into camp, the Stars are hopeful they’ve put the right pieces in place.

Beyond player additions, Smith is focused on laying the groundwork for long term improvement by establishing clear expectations and a committed team culture.

“I held a Zoom meeting with all returning and signed players a couple of weeks ago. One of the things that I expect is players to come to town to be committed to hockey and school. You have got to make some sacrifices, and I think starting with that, you will change the culture of the team,” Smith explained.

Training camp begins in late August and with a few spots still open, there are some roster additions expected to be made. Then, the Stars will host the Prince Albert Mintos in their first exhibition game on September 16 at the Access Communications Centre, followed by their regular season opener against the Saskatoon Contacts on September 24, also at home.

“First and foremost, our goal is to make the playoffs. Then once that happens, anything can happen. Obviously, you want to win, but you also want to develop players and move them on to the next level, and I think that those things go hand in hand. If you’re developing players, you win hockey games. So, I think that we have a good nucleus and are ready to take a step in the right direction,” Smith said.

With a refreshed outlook, new leadership, and a strong mix of experience and youth, the Stars are looking forward to a competitive and focused 2025/26 campaign.

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Austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes