Stars Cut Two, Reassign One

The Battlefords North Stars are down to a 24-man roster after the latest round of cuts.

North Star's coach and GM Ken Pearson announced today that Goaltender - Coleman Young and Forward - Skyler Dunser have been released, and Forward - Tanner Schwab has been reassigned to Midget AAA (Battlefords).

With the release of Young, this means that the North Stars will start the season with Kyle Birch and Graham Hilldebrand as their two goalies.

Birch's return prompted some people to think that perhaps one of them would be traded. But after speaking with both of them earlier today, Ken Pearson said that both are willing to sacrifice personal stats for the good of the team.

Easier said than done, but if that holds true, then the Stars are in an excellent position in net. Pearson also said that both would get ample playing time, but if one is out-performing the other, then they will be the one who gets first consideration for games.

The release of Dunser was a tough decision for the coaching staff. He brought a strong work-ethic and a great attitude to camp, but he a long with Ben Morgan simply got caught in a numbers game.

The reassingment of Schwab is a little surprising. Schwab would likely be the first to admit that he didn't have the strongest camp, but his play did improve dramatically down the stretch. You can bet he'll likely be one of the first players considered for an AP role with the club. Schwab has already proven that he can play at this level, but another year of Midget AAA may be just what the doctor ordered.


With 24 kids carded, that still leaves one more spot open. This gives the coach an opportunity to bring in another defenceman if need be. Anybody who knows the coach, knows that there are always irons in the fire. But that being said, he also likes to keep his cards close to his chest.

Who's coming to Kindersley for Friday's game? I think the North Star fans need to make an impression early. Why not come to Kindersley on Friday with the air-horns booming and really make some noise?

The second I hear something new, you'll be the first to know. See you tomorrow morning for the Annual Breakfast. It starts at 7:00 am, and goes til 8:15.