Former Star's Shine in NHL Playoffs.

By: Dan O'Connor and Ken Pearson

Hockey fans in the Battlefords have extra incentive to watch the NHL Playoffs this spring.

Two former North Stars are in the running for Lord Stanley's Cup and are currently opposing each other in the NHL's Western Conference Final.

San Jose Shark's head-coach Todd McLellan (Melville, SK) is largely remembered for his six years behind the bench in Swift Current (WHL) and coaching the Houston Aeros to an American Hockey League Championship in 2002-2003 - But McLellan got his first head-coaching gig in the Battlefords, coaching the North Stars for two years, starting in 1993.

"I was 24-years-old and I was coaching young fellas who were only a few years younger than me at the time," said McLellan in a 2008 interview on the "Co-Op Leisure Time Sports Fix" on CJNB/CJNS radio (North Battleford, SK). "The team struggled immensely the first year. We only had 15 or 16 wins. The next year we were the most improved team in the league, we made the playoffs and then it was off to Swift Current."

"It would have been really easy for fans to turn a young coach," recalls McLellan. "I remember the support from the board members and the fans. It is a very good hockey town, something that the people in Battleford should be proud of."

Long-time North Star's fan Terry Lumsdon says that the McLellan era was an exciting time.

"They were strong, they were fast," recalls Lumsdon. "I remember Todd McLellan as one of the better coaches that we've been fortunate enough to have in North Star's/Baron's history. He had the ability to bring in top-quality players."

Lumsdon was adamant that McLellan's recruiting helped mold the North Star's into a regular championship contender from the mid 90's on.


Conversely, Chicago Blackhawks's defenceman Jordan Hendry (Nokomis, SK) played junior hockey in the Battlefords for one season (as a 17-year-old) before heading to the University of Alaska-Fairbanks on a scholarship.

Hendry's offensive numbers weren't exactly 'eye-popping' at the collegiate level, but he proved to be steady and reliable. Hendry dressed in 71 of 78 games during his first two years in Alaska.

After an injury in 2004, Hendry bounced back to record four goals and 14 points in his Senior year (2005-2006).

After completing his Senior year in Alaska, Hendry was signed by the Norfolk Admirals of the A.H.L. and tallied five points in 13 games.

Hendry made his NHL debut in 2007 with the Chicago Blackhawks, and three years later is now a fixture on the Hawk's blue line.

"I just try to go out there and play a simple game," said Hendry in a "Sports Fix" radio interview on Monday, May 24th. "Playing behind guys like Keith, Seabrook, and Campbell - They're always telling me little tips, and helping me with my confidence."

Hendry has dressed in 10 playoff games so far this season, and has been paired with veteran Brent Sopel.

Hendry's stay in the Battlefords was a short-one, but he definitely left an impression with the locals.

"He had poise and maturity beyond his age, and definitely had good skill," said former North Star's President Lee Ulmer. "He was able to hold his own as a 17-year-old in a league of mainly 19 and 20-year-olds."

Hendry's Hawks are leading McLellan's Sharks 3-0 in NHL's Western Conference final.

Regardless of the series outcome, North Star's fans can watch with added excitement knowing that part of their past will be represented in the Stanley Cup Final in 2010.