Jordan Grill, Nikita Ivashchenko, Justen Maric and Linken Fisher were all selected to play in the SJHL/MJHL Showcase. (File Photo/BattlefordsNOW)

By Austin Mattes

SJHL/MJHL Showcase

Grill, Ivashchenko, Fisher and Maric selected to represent North Stars at showcase

Jan 16, 2025 | 8:31 PM

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) announced its roster yesterday for the SJHL/MJHL Showcase, happening in Winnipeg on Jan. 28 and 29.

The Showcase will bring three teams from both leagues (two U20, one U18) to compete against each other and display their skills, get exposure, as well as take home bragging rights as the better league. From the Battlefords North Stars, four players were selected as well as head coach Martin Smith to represent the team and the SJHL.

Jordan Grill, Nikita Ivashchenko, and goaltender Justen Maric were all selected to be a part of team SJHL U20 Team White and ‘07 defenseman Linken Fisher was selected to be a part of the SJHL U18 Team Gold with Martin Smith as the assistant coach of the team.

This season, Grill has six goals and 12 assists for 18 points, but apart from scoring points, he has been one of the league’s top defensemen and a crucial part of the North Stars’ strong blueline. Not only is he also a great player on the ice but being a Battlefords local and his fourth year on the team, he wears the ‘A’ for a reason and has been proving it in the locker room all season with great leadership and a positive attitude.

“Grill is such a solid defenseman and can beat you with strength and speed. He’s been to the showcase before and will know what to expect.” said Smith.

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Ukrainian born forward, Nikita Ivashchenko has been an absolute force in his first SJHL season with the North Stars, currently leading the team in points with 36 (14 goals, 22 assists). There is no surprise that he was selected, especially being only 19, the sky is the limit for the talented #26 of the Battlefords North Stars.

“Ivashchenko had a good first half and is leading our team in points. We expect big things in the second half from him and being selected will definitely give him a shot in the arm especially with coming down with an illness at the world juniors.” Smith said.

Justen Maric has been the backbone of this North Stars team all season and despite what the stats say, he is one of the best, if not the best goaltender in the league. Night after night, he continues to impress and keep the North Stars in every single game, despite who they play. His selection was a very well deserved one and expect to see a lot out of him in the showcase.

“Maric has had a solid first half and probably our best player. He gives us a chance to win every night.” said Smith.

The same goes for Linken Fisher; he has been one of the most consistent players this season in the league. Standing at 5’8, the 2007 born D-man has a great work ethic that pairs perfectly with his high hockey IQ and impressive skill set. With three goals and seven assists this season, he should have a great showing at the showcase and in the next years to come.

“It’s pretty cool to make the showcase team. It was one of my goals to play in it at the start of the year and now that I have, it means a lot. I am honoured to represent the North Stars and very excited to go with Griller, Juice and Nikki.” said Fisher.

“Fisher, although only 18, has shown great poise with the puck in the first half for a young defenceman. He quarterbacks one of our PP units and the showcase will give him some exposure to college,” said Smith.

Since the joining of the coaching staff, Head Coach Martin Smith has had a huge impact on the success of the team with his knowledge and love for the game, and with a deep history and connection to the SJHL and the team, his selection was much deserved.

“I am extremely honoured to represent the North Stars organization, however, this is about the players. They have worked hard for the opportunity, and I am excited to see how they do. This is a great opportunity to get some exposure and compete with the top players in our league” he said.

The full schedule for the showcase is seen below. All games will be played at the Seven Oaks Sportsplex in Winnipeg.

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austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes