REGINA - The Battlefords North Stars got some recognition in the Legislature from their local MLA Jeremy Cockrill.
Cockrill stood in the Assembly Thursday morning to congratulate the North Stars on winning the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League title and on qualifying for the national Centennial Cup. As Cockrill was giving his remarks the North Stars were already taking the ice in Portage la Prairie for their first game against Kam River Fighting Walleye, a game the North Stars won 4-1.
Cockrill's remarks are reprinted here from Hansard.
Hon. Mr. Cockrill: — "Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last time I rose in this Assembly, the Battlefords North Stars were just finishing up a magnificent regular season. Well I’m happy to report now that those Battleford North Stars are SJHL [Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League] champions after defeating Weyburn, Melfort, and Flin Flon to bring home the Canterra Seeds Cup. I think actually in fact the member from Melfort still owes me some doughnuts from his local bakery, but we’ll settle that later, Mr. Speaker.
"Mr. Speaker, the SJHL playoff run featured some great performances by Kian Bell, Holden Doell, Jake Southgate, and Josh Kotai. But the playoff MVP [most valuable player] was Steven Kesslering, who hails from the community of Viceroy and who scored 14 goals in 13 games, Mr. Speaker.
"The North Stars are now off to Centennial Cup in Portage la Prairie and played their first game this morning against Kam River. The local support for the North Stars has been fantastic, with big crowds all year long. And we’ve also seen the city of North Battleford and several local businesses, including Innovation Credit Union, stepping up to help support the team’s run to the Centennial Cup.
"Junior hockey is only successful with great community support and we certainly have that in The Battlefords, Mr. Speaker. I’d ask all members of this House to join me in congratulating the Battlefords North Stars on their SJHL championship and wish them the best as they represent Saskatchewan on the national stage. Thank you."
