Ken Pearson Named a Finalist for SJHL Coach of the Year.

The Battlefords North Stars are pleased to announce that Head Coach and GM Ken Pearson has been named a finalist for SJHL Coach of the Year. He joins Bob Beatty (La Ronge) and Darren Evjen (Notre Dame) as a finalist for the award.

Pearson been in the Battlefords for two seasons now, and has led the team to a 20 win improvement over last season. Under Pearson's reign, the Stars finished 35-19-1-3 - Good enough for second place in the Bauer Conference.

"I'm surprised and honored," said Pearson. " I have to credit the loyalty and hard-work of the people behind the scenes. Blair, the board, the scouts, and the whole staff for just letting me do what I do. It's more of an organizational nominee more than anything, my name just happens to be attached to it."



Admittedly, Pearson is up against some tough competition. "Bob is a legendary coach in Junior Hockey, and to be a finalist with him is an honor," said Pearson when speaking of La Ronge Coach Bob Beatty. " Also with the job that Darren (Evjen) has done in Notre Dame, he's taken a last place team and has got them back close to first place down South. Two very worthy recipients."

The winner of the coaching award will be determined by the SJHL Media.

Other award nominees have been released, and North Star's forwards Blake Peake and Blake Tatchell are up for some hardware, a long with defenceman Jesse Lebreton.

SJHL Rookie Of The Year

Blake Tatchell-Battlefords
Dylan Smith-Estevan
Andrew Johnston-Flin Flon
Justin Buzzeo-Humboldt
Josh Thorimbert-Kindersley
MarcAndre Carre-La Ronge
Jesse Mireau-Melfort
Michael Desjarlais-Melville
Tanner Dusyk-Nipawin
Trevor Cameron-Notre Dame
Drew George-Weyburn
Austin Bourhis-Yorkton

SJHL Top Defenseman

Jesse Lebreton-Battlefords
Cris Neurauter-Estevan
Michael Young-Flin Flon
Kyle Cowan-Humboldt
Steven Turner-Kindersley
Mike Alexander-La Ronge
Harrison Tribble-Melfort
Austin Krahenbil-Melville
Cory Hodgins-Nipawin
Blayne Stevenson-Notre Dame
Andrew Perrault-Weyburn
Clark Byczynski-Yorkton

Most Valuable Player

Blake Peake-Battlefords
Chris Neamonitis-Estevan
Matt Weninger-Flin Flon
Andrew Bodnarchuk-Humboldt
Andrew Dommett-Kindersley
Dustin Stevenson-La Ronge
Todd Chinova-Melfort
Logan Herauf-Melville
Ryan Kerpan-Nipawin
Kyle Ireland-Notre Dame
AJ Whiffen-Weyburn
Jordan Menke-Yorkton