WCC Preview 2017: Battlefords North Stars

The Battlefords North Stars are the best team in the SJHL for the first time since 2000. They finished the year a top the standings with a record of 48-9-1. They were 14 points ahead of second place, and their goal differential of 120 was the best in the league. They were perfect on their way through the playoffs; they swept the Weyburn Redwings, Estevan Bruins and the Flin Flon Bombers. They are a veteran group with eight 20 year old, and nine 19 year-old players. They have six local players from North Battleford, and none from Manitoba. The North Stars and Terriers will meet Sunday April 30th at 4pm CDT. (Manitoba time)

Special Teams

Regular Season PP – 23% (2^nd in league)

Regular Season PK – 89% (1^st)

Playoff PP – 24.5% (1^st)

Playoff PK – 90% (2^nd)

Players to watch

Coby Downs – The 20 year old centre had another strong season for the North Stars leading the team in scoring with 72 points in just 46 games. The 6' 185 lbs California product also lead the team in playoff scoring with 25 points in 11 games.

Layne Young – The top winger in Battlefords stepped up his game in the playoffs, recording 23 points in 12 games. The stocky (5'10, 205) forward from Frenchman Butte, SK, was second in team scoring with 71 points during the regular season.

Taryn Kotchorek and Joel Grzybowski – The North Stars' goalies split time during the regular seson with nearly identical numbers. They allowed slightly above 1.6 goals against per game and had save percentages above .930. Kotchorek saw more time in the playoffs starting 9 of the 12 games.

Committments

Coby Downs - Norwich University (NCAA Div III)
Reed Delainey - Rochester Institute of Technology (NCAA Div I)