North Stars players recieve team awards

It was a memorable week for Battlefords North Stars captain Layne Young.

In addition to wrapping up a dazzling 107-point campaign to lead all players in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, the 20 year old Frenchman Butte native was named the league’s most valuable player and player of the year winner for the 2017-18 campaign.

In between those accolades, Young also received the North Stars’ most valuable player award as the team handed out accolades for the past season prior to Thursday’s 5-2 win over the Kindersley Klippers at the Civic Centre. 

“It’s obviously a huge honour,” Young said. “Right now the main focus is to repeat as league champions, but getting those awards from the league and the team is always nice.”

Young was one of six players to receive year-end awards, which were decided upon by the North Stars coaching staff and members of the team.

After a campaign that saw him win a gold medal with Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge and commit to the NCAA’s Maine Black Bears, Levi Kleiboer was named the team’s most valuable defenceman after finishing fifth among SJHL blueliners with 42 points.

“We have a lot of good defencemen on this team so that’s a big accomplishment to come away with the award,” North Stars head coach and general manager Brandon Heck said.

“He has great poise with the puck, he defends so well by using his stick and his first pass is excellent. The point total that he has this season speaks for itself.”

Fellow blueliner Cody Spagrud, who had 30 points this season, was rewarded for his work away from this ice as he received the team’s humanitarian award.

“Cody’s one of the greatest kids I’ve ever met,” Heck said.

“He’s a very motivated and humble guy. He always wants to give back and he’s one of those special character that you wish you had 25 of on the roster.”

Taryn Kotchorek, who will leave the SJHL after this season as the league leader in shutouts, was recognized on Thursday as he took home the most dedicated player award.

“His preparation and determination really stands out to me,” North Stars assistant coach Boyd Wakelin said. 

“He missed some time with a hand injury earlier in the season, but he bounced back right away thanks to some hard work off the ice.”

The rookie of the year award went to Matthias Urbanski after he put up 42 points to finish fourth among first year players in the SJHL.

“He came in the last part of training camp and we saw that he had the skill and IQ to play at this level,” Wakelin said.

“His work ethic is unmatched for a guy his age. He’s played a ton of minutes and he has that physical edge you need to play in the SJHL.”

Fellow rookie Elijah Loon-Stewardson won the team’s most improved player award after a 17-point campaign.

“He’s become a difference maker for us heading into the playoffs,” Heck said.

“Elijah can play anywhere in the lineup and he has a bright future.”