Connor Gabruch (left) and Blake Allan (right) began the season on loan to the North Stars, but will rejoin their Hitmen teammates this weekend, ahead of the start of the WHL season next month. (Facebook/Calgary Hitmen)

By Martin Martinson

A Season to remember

Gabruch, Allan reflect on time with North Stars, WHL season ahead

Feb 20, 2021 | 11:00 AM

The 2020-21 hockey season is one forwards Connor Gabruch and Blake Allan will likely not soon forget.

Teammates with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL), the pair began their season on loan to the Battlefords North Stars. That was after it was determined in late October WHL talent would be eligible to play in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League until the start of the delayed major junior season.

Time with North Stars

While the pair may have spent only about a month’s time with the team prior to the SJHL season being put on hold, each has said they couldn’t have asked for much more from their experience in the Battlefords.

“All the guys were really outstanding people and the coaching staff was great as well,” Allan said reflecting on his time with the local team. “They helped us every way they could and we’re grateful to have had the opportunity to come there for the month or so we were able to.”

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Gabruch, who picked up three goals in three games with the club, added that just being able to get back on the ice, and playing the game again was an opportunity he was grateful for.

“I remember I reached out to coach Brayden [Klimosko] and asked if I could come down even for some practices, and ended up getting in some games too, which was awesome,” Gabruch said. “In those three games, I thought as a team we had a lot of fun.”

WHL season to begin

Earlier this month it was announced the Hitmen will open their season March 5 and 6, with a home-and-home versus the Red Deer Rebels.

However, before Gabruch and Allan could rejoin their teammates in Calgary, they first had to quarantine in a Calgary hotel for seven days, upon returning to the city.

When asked to sum up his whirlwind season to date, Allan said it’s tough to put into just a few words.

“Geez, I don’t even know how to really describe it,” he said with a laugh. “It’s been crazy. I wasn’t sure if there was going to be a season, to be honest, so I’m definitely really excited to get back and finally get started again.”

Gabruch said if the unique hockey season this year has provided him with anything, it’s a fresh appreciation for being able to play the game he loves.

“When you really put it in perspective, the teams playing hockey right now are among the only athletes and people able to do what they enjoy outside of work and home,” he said. “I think when you look through the lens that way, this season I’m just glad that I get to play hockey.”

Calgary will play this season as a member of the WHL’s Central Division, made up of the league’s five Alberta-based teams.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1