The Beat Goes On.

The month of November has gotten off to a less-than-stellar start if you are a North Star's fan.

The team has dropped three of their last four, and the reactions from fans after the loss last night were understandedly solemn. I had some loyal listeners call me at work today to ask "whats up?" and my trip to Tim Horton's this morning sort of felt like a post-game press conference, with different folks asking me about last night and what went wrong.

My response?

The same thing that the coaches have been saying all season.

The Stars are still a relatively young team that are still figuring things out. Those who know the sport know that a season is always going to have it's ebs and flows. Right now things are magnified because of the recent string of losses.

Every goal against, failed power-play and every defensive miscue stings even more. But mark my words: Things are going to get better before they get worse. How can they not?

The Stars are too talented, too well coached, and have played too well for things to be 'this' negative around here.


Lets review all of the positives shall we?

We still have one of the best goaltending tandems in the SJHL. Kyle Birch has one of the best overall records in the league, he's still making big saves, and I mean this when I say that there is NO OTHER GOALIE in the SJHL that I'd rather have starting a "big game" for me. A couple of losses in early November shouldn't be enough to change anybody's mind in that regard. Add the fact that Graham Hilldebrand continues to progress, and he should be good to go by the Showcase. Heck, I'm excited to see Coleman Young get his shot in a game.


Defensively we've got some of the best depth in the SJHL. When our 'D' is clicking, there are few teams that can match the Stars depth-wise. It's been great this season watching the skill of Jesse, the poise of Cody, the passion of Woody, dependability of Brody, sturdiness of Coleman, maturation of Dominic, and the steady improvement of Myles.

Up front, you've got a group of guys that all bleed their North Star colors. You've got great skill with Dane, Josh, Brett, Blake P, Blake T and Justin. Add the size and consistency of Mitch, Shay, Ryan, a long with the gutsiness of Ward, Nathan, Boyd, Troy and Tony.

I've raved all season about the quality of our coaching staff, and that will never change.

No need for panic. No need to worry. All teams go through bumps in the road. For the first time in three seasons, we are watching a North Stars team that not only has a chance to win every game, but in most cases is expected to win every night.

Sometimes we all need to embrace our struggles, hardships and trials. Nobody ever won a championship without conquering some adversity first.

Hang in there North Star Nation. We'll chat at you tomorrow night from Nipawin.

- DO