By Roger White

North Stars newcomer has ties to organization

Jun 16, 2017 | 1:02 PM

The Battlefords North Stars continue to tinker with their roster with the hopes of getting the right blend of players to make another bid at the SJHL Canalta Cup.

The Stars have announced the signing of 17-year-old Jacob Tibbatts who played with the Yellowhead Chiefs in the Manitoba AAA Hockey League last season.

If the last name Tibbatts sounds familiar to seasoned North Stars fans; it should according to Stars head coach and general manager Nate Bedford.

“His uncle once laced them up for the North Stars years ago and his dad was a solid player in Saskatoon with the Blades,” Bedford said. “So he comes to us with a local pedigree and we like what he brings to our team.”

At 193 pounds the 5’ 11” Tibbatts played 44 games with Yellowhead last season amassing 19 goals and 32 points while racking up 57 minutes in penalties.

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“We are looking to recruit players in the mold of what we want our team to be,” Bedford said. “Jacob fits that bill.”

His uncle Trent Tibbatts was a fan favorite when he played for the North Stars.  From 1992 to 1995 Trent Tibbatts played 108 games for the Stars scoring 31 goals and 49 assists for 80 points. He was also voted Most Popular Player along with Travis Clayton in 1995.

His father Derek Tibbatts played from 1990 to 1994 with Saskatoon of the WHL compiling 122 goals and 300 points over his four seasons with the Blades.

“We are always assessing talent,” Bedford added.” We have some holes to fill this season and we know a whole lot of players are looking for a place to play next year. We are hoping some will want to be North Stars.”  

The Battlefords North Stars training camp begins on August 30.

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:  @battlefordsNOW