Lets go a little deeper shall we?
**Keep in mind that these are my opinions. These choices were not made by coaches, and truthfully have no real merit aside from my own opinions. Feel free to share your own in the comments section of the blog.**
Overall Synopsis:
The Battlefords North Stars may have the best offensive depth in the SJHL. They have six players currently with more than 20 points on the year, and that number will only increase further as the season progresses. The Stars have a near-perfect mix of veteran leadership and impressionable youth. Rookie's Blake Tatchell, Boyd Wakelin, Ward Szucki and Justin Waskewitch have all contributed in big ways to the team, and the Stars appear to be set up nicely for the upcoming years. They're biggest struggle has been maintaining consistency in the defensive end. If the Stars can buckle down defensively, and awaken their power-play, they are at least a second place team in the Bauer Conference.
First-Half MVP: Blake Peake (12 G, 18 A, 30 P, 29 GP)
Blake has been the most consistent North Star to this point in the season. He's also been the most durable. Only Blake Peake, Jesse Lebreton and Cody Folstad have dressed for the Stars in all 29 games so far this year. Peake has used his speed, smarts and natural hockey ability to become a real force in the SJHL this season. Not bad for a player that was essentially given to the Stars by the Notre Dame Hounds.
Runner(s) Up: Brett Miller, Josh Daley, Kyle Birch.
Top Defenceman: Jesse Lebreton (7 G. 11 A. 18 P, 29 GP)
When Jesse Lebreton puts it all together, there are very few defenceman in the SJHL that can be as effective in the offensive end. Defensively his game has improved, although he still is prone to getting beat in one-on-one situations. His leadership and durability are two major factors which have allowed Jesse to stick with the Battlefords for his third full season.
Runner(s) Up: Woody Klassen, Cody Folstad.
Top Rookie: Ward Szucki (8 G, 4 A, 12 P, 23 G)
Due to the fact that Josh Daley is not considered an actual rookie in the SJHL, then Ward Szucki (barely) becomes the next choice. Szucki has shown from day one that he can score goals and hold his own defensively. The 18-year-old is the co-leader in rookie scoring with 12 points and those numbers should only improve in the upcoming years. Two things that Ward can improve on: His puck handling, and his physicality. There are games when Szucki is great with the puck, and games where he's not. Also, for a player who's 6 ft 3, it would be nice to see him play with a bit more of a physical edge.
Runner(s) Up: Blake Tatchell.
Best Surprise: Brett Miller (15 G, 16 A, 31 P, 26 G)
Blake Peake's recent surge is the only reason why Miller is not listed in the MVP Category up top. Miller is one of many 'feel-good' stories for this year's Battlefords North Stars team. After starting the season in Red Deer and then a brief stint in Everett, Miller arrived back home and immediately went to work on proving his critics wrong. The WHL told Miller he couldn't be a scorer in that league, so what does he do? Well 31 points in 26 games is an impressive statistic. Miller has used his size, speed and offensive ability to his full advantage, and few other things so far this season have impressed me as much as Brett Miller's "arrival" in the SJHL.
Runner(s) Up: Ryan Andersen, Cody Folstad
Unsung Hero: Nathan Tomac (1G, 6 A, 7 P, 23 GP)
The 18-year-old product of Moose Jaw has been one of the most versitile, reliable players for the Stars this season. His offensive numbers won't blow you away, but his ability to win faceoffs, and provide a secondary source of energy and offense should not be overlooked. He'll never be a 20-goal-scorer, but he does all of the little things right.
Runner(s) Up: Woody Klassen, Boyd Wakelin, Troy Watt
Biggest Goal: Tony Oak's winner on Friday, November 13 against La Ronge.
Runner(s) Up: Ryan Andersen's OT winner on November 28 against Kindersley.
Prettiest Goal: Peake and Miller's Give and Go at the Showcase against Kindersley.
Runner(s) Up: Josh Daley's breakaway goal at the Showcase against Kindersley.
Best Save: TIE! Graham Hildebrand (Nov. 14) off of Brant Henry-Norton of Melfort and Kyle Birch (Nov. 28) off of Braedon Adamyk.
Second-Half X-Factor: Mitch Wall
The Battlefords North Star's captain is playing very well, and as is nearly on a goal-a-game pace. If he can elevate his game even further and maintain his mean streak while contributing offensively, that might just be the key for the Stars to make a real run at first place in the SJHL's Bauer Conference.
Team's Overall Grade: B
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