The North Stars have acquired Raiden Zacharias from the Melville Millionaires via trade. (SJHL/Website)

By Austin Mattes

Big Moves

North Stars acquire Zacharias from Melville; announce exhibition schedule

Jul 25, 2025 | 12:44 PM

The Battlefords North Stars have made another significant move this offseason, acquiring 2006-born forward and Saskatoon product Raiden Zacharias from the Melville Millionaires. In return, the North Stars send the SJHL rights to 2006-born forward Kale Margolis, two second-round picks in the 2026 SJHL draft, and a player development fee to Melville.

Last season with the Millionaires, Zacharias posted 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 points in 41 regular-season games. His strong play also earned him a call-up to the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings, where he appeared in nine games, tallying one assist.

Prior to his junior debut, Zacharias captained the U18 Saskatoon Blazers during the 2023-24 season, leading them to a Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League (SMAAAHL) championship. He finished third in league scoring with 76 points (25G, 51A) in 54 games, showcasing his high-end offensive talent.

Zacharias also played a key role in the Blazers’ 2022-23 SMAAAHL championship run, which led to a national silver medal at the Telus Cup. He again finished third in league scoring with 82 points (24G, 58A) in 55 games, playing alongside current North Stars Josh Knittig and Gavin Granger on that Blazers squad.

“Raiden is a guy that can really generate a lot of offence,” said North Stars head coach and general manager Connor Logan. “His abilities with the puck are elite, he sees the ice well and has some great experience in the SJHL and WHL. He’s gonna be an integral part of our offence this year.”

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Heading the other way is Kale Margolis, a 2006-born forward whose SJHL rights now belong to Melville. Margolis played the 2024-25 season with the WHL’s Tri-City Americans, recording 2 goals and 3 assists in 48 games.

On top of the big trade, the North Stars have also officially announced their slate of exhibition games, giving fans their first chance to check out the 2025-26 squad in action.

Kicking things off on Sunday, September 7 at 10 a.m., the North Stars will host their annual Black vs Silver game, competing for the Art Strueby Cup. This internal matchup is always a fan favourite, showcasing top talent from the team’s training camp. Admission is free, making it a perfect opportunity for families and fans to get an earlier look at the team.

The exhibition slate continues on Wednesday, Sept. 10, as the North Stars face off against the Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL) at the Access Communications Centre. Puck drop is 6 p.m., with $5 admission at the door.

Wrapping up the exhibition action, the team will travel to Thunderchild First Nation on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 2 p.m. when they will take on the Lloydminster Bobcats (AJHL).

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Austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes