The Battlefords North Stars had a number of highlights in 2020, and with a bright future ahead, should continue to have many more in 2021. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Stars Shining Moments

A look back: North Stars year in review 2020

Dec 30, 2020 | 12:00 PM

It has been a year unlike any other for the Battlefords North Stars. The following is a countdown of some of the biggest storylines of the last year surrounding the team.

#5. Nine North Stars named to SJHL/MJHL Showcase:

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL)/Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) Showcase is an annual joint-league showcase held at the Cooperators Rinks in Regina each year.

Stars’ forwards Austin Becker, Quintin Loon-Stewardson, Elijah Loon-Stewardson, Rylan Nivon, Matthias Urbanski and Steven Kesslering; along with defencemen Matthew Fletcher, Seth Summers and Noah Form, were named to represent team SJHL at the event in mid-January 2020.

The Stars’ nine selections to represent the province were tied for most in the league, with the Melfort Mustangs. Read more here.

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#4. North Stars recognized with postseason awards:

Head coach, Brayden Klimosko was named Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) Coach of the Year, while defenceman, Matthew Fletcher became just the fourth blue liner in franchise history to take home the league’s Top Defenceman honour.

The second-year bench-boss led the North Stars to a league-best, 45-11-2 record. The club’s 92 points were second-most in franchise history. Read more here.

Fletcher meanwhile, was recognized for his dominant display at both ends of the ice. The Stars’ captain posted a career-high, 49-point season, good for second amongst league blue liners, while also leading the team in virtually every defensive metric. Read more here.

Forward, Quintin Loon-Stewardson was also named Global Ag. Risk Solutions Division nominee, and league finalist for SJHL Player of the Year honours. Read more here.

#3. A season for the books

The Battlefords North Stars finished the 2019-20 season 15 points up on second place in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) standings.

The team came blazing out of the gates with a 23-1 record through their opening 24 games, and would cap the regular season with a dominant 45-11-2 record, giving them 92 points.

The campaign served as the Stars’ second-winningest season in the club’s 40-year franchise history. Read more here.

#2. Hockey season/many sports cut short

The SJHL season drew to an abrupt halt midway through the 2020 playoffs, when in mid-March, the COVID-19 pandemic initially began.

The team was up 3-1 in their best-of-seven first round series with the Nipawin Hawks, with Game 5 slated to be played at the Access Communications Centre (Civic Centre) in North Battleford when the postseason was cancelled.

Following a delayed start to the season this fall, the season was then again put on hold due to the pandemic. Read more here.

#1. Young team – bright future ahead

The Battlefords North Stars may have played just three games so far this season, ahead of the Christmas break, but the team looks to be an exciting group heading into a hopeful return to action in the New Year.

Just 10 players from last year’s team returned to the club this fall, while 10 rookies staked their claim to a roster spot, making the team out of camp.

Only six players are in their final year of junior eligibility as 20-year-olds, while 11 players are ages 18 or younger, meaning the team looks to have an opportunity to grow together and create something special for years to come in the Battlefords. Read more here.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1