DS: Reflecting on the year, one that will see two banners go up to the rafters as the next campaign kicks off, how would you define this memorable season? From beginning to end, is there a moment that you will always remember?
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KH: I will remember the brotherhood! These young men and the staff made this season so much fun. The dedication to each other, the commitment to the process and the love for one another are the things that stand out most to me. I will forever remember this group and the season they had.
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DS: Jake McMillen, Tyler Fuhr, Rory Davidson, Dustin Gorgi, Jordan Wiest, Igor Leonenko, Reed Delainey, Jordan Townsend and Baxter Kanter will all be leaving the team and moving on with their hockey careers. What can you say about Ìýthese players, as they were all instrumental to the success of the North Stars this season.
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KH:
McMillen - Our team scholar. From one battle to the next, Jake was dedicated to the North Stars. He's a young man that would not have worn another jersey in his junior career, and probably would've quit if that scenario ever existed. He knew the difference between right and wrong as it relates to the North Star way. His mark has been etched in the walls of the room and that part of our culture will never change. Pure class. You will be missed and never forgotten, Jake! Thank you for putting up with me for four years Mclovin!
Fuhrsy - Probably understands junior hockey the most. This young man lives life and lives honestly! When it's time to work, Tyler works, when it's time to have fun, Tyler has fun. He saved the best saves for the North Stars and taught our younger players a lot. Everyone who know's Tyler at a personal level understands him, loves him and appreciates him because he is real. Thank you for your short time with the North Stars!
Davidson is a pure warrior! Played the playoffs with a shoulder he should not of been playing with. Why did you pick Drumheller, Rory!! From the first day I saw Rory play I knew he would play for the North Stars. Explosive, Intense, Determined, Never Quit!! This is a tough farm kid with a huge heart, the future is bright for any team, business, or association that has Rory as a part of their team. Thank you for your effort Davy!!
Gorgi - Dusty was a big brother in the room, his presence off the ice will be missed as much as his presence on the ice. They say the human body consists of 50 - 65% water, well Dusty has to be at least 85! His goal celebrations will be legendary, always something new and never boring...simply put, he loved to score! You are a true gentleman Dusty, you made players around you better, what an honour you were to coach!
Wiesty - Keep your head up when this young man is on the ice. I will tell stories about the hit on Tyson Empey! Character....pure character is Jordan Wiest. This is a young man that in one breath can hit every adrenaline cell in your body and have you ready to fight! In another breath, he could have you rolling on the ground laughing. You kept it real Jordan! No one in this lifetime will have to guess who you are, and no one can say they are Jordan Wiest, you are one of a kind and success will follow you my friend! When the game becomes hard mentally, you bring everyone back to reality and remind us why we play this game. When you pop that question Wiesty...I'll be there!!!
Igor - It's time to make the jump big man! You're ready for the pro game! You wowed our fans with your abilities and you did it because you understand this important life quality...."what you do in the dark, will come to the light." Don't let anything stand in your way Igs, especially your biggest obstacle, adversity. Kick it to the side, go right through it, and remember how hard you are capable of working and remember my foot isn't far behind to give you that extra boost. YOU CAN DO IT!
Delainey - We haven't seen the best of this young man yet! Here's the thing, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger! Pro speed is what we have seen from Reed and that same speed will make him a fantastic college player for years ahead. I will miss challenging Reed the most. When you light the fire in his belly it's like shifting his transmission into overdrive … the look on his face says I will shove it up your _ _ _.... And he usually does. Skate your way to a National Championship, Reed! Your charisma and outgoing personality are special qualities that make you successful. Believe in yourself and love the game like all those players in Edam do.
Towny - This is a young man with a healing touch ... Truly and passionately cared deeply about his teammates. I guess in a sense you can call him the big brother, there to pick up Ìýwhen someone was struggling and would give the shirt off his back if it helped someone in need. I was hard on Jordan, challenging him along the journey, and through all the pushing he was more concerned about the wellbeing of another than himself. He played sick, hurt, sore, it didn't matter. Everything made sense in our exit meeting Towny, you truly will have the healing touch..... thank you for your dedication these past two seasons.
Bax - How do you replace a player that strikes fear in the opponent like Baxter did. Arguably the most improved player over two seasons with our team. I don't think we’ll ever see a player in the league that actually fought a dozen times, however only credited with five fights. His hits were thunderous, his shot was overpowering, and his game is one of a kind. As you go to the college game, believe this, if you continue to improve like you are, we will expect tickets to your first NHL game! Thank you for the memories, Bax!
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DS: I know you will be busy this offseason, but what are your plans? How will you look to fill in these holes?
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KH: We will find players, whether through trade, recruit, or develop from within, our team will contend again. I will hit the road, work the phones, and pick up the pieces and we'll be back stronger than before.
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DS: series against Flin Flon was, without a doubt, an entertaining one with two passionate teams going head-to-head. Three of five games were decided in the final minute or in overtime. It almost seems like a couple bounces go your way and it’s a different story. From your perspective, was this series the definition of playoff hockey?
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KH: Absolutely. THANK YOU FANS. Your support was amazing. For the returning players, our staff is confident we learned a lot about what it takes to be successful in this league. The SJHL is the toughest league to win, we are learning how.
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DS: Down three games to one, at the Civic Centre, in front of over 2000 of your fans. I'm sure there wasn't any doubt in that locker room that they could dig themselves out of this hole. What was the mentality of your team ahead of the deciding game five? In a game as long as this one, does the plan of attack change at all?
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KH: We wanted to win. To a man in that dressing room these players and staff wanted to win. We ensured the preservation of energy with fluids and nutrients between periods and really in the end, it was inches that decided the game, not energy.
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DS: Heading into double overtime, what can you say about the way your team constantly battled for one another, not only in the playoffs, but throughout the year as well. Guys were never scared to lay their body on the line for each other and as a coach, this must be fulfilling.
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KH: Leadership developed this culture in our room and I believe the leadership from this group will imprint something in this organization forever. You can't win without solid leadership and we have some of the best.
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DS: I know the North Stars prospects camp was this past weekend. What do you look for when evaluating a player, and are there players that have the ability to step right in and make a difference next year?
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KH: Absolutely there are players we feel can step in from that camp. We are excited about the players we have seen! Above and beyond skill, talent, and skating, to be a North Star you have to want to be here! You have to have passion for what hockey is, to be a team player that cares about the opportunity and will care about the Battlefords Community.
