By Martin Martinson

Youth learning game at North Stars’ Hockey School

Aug 21, 2018 | 8:00 AM

For the last four years, the Battlefords North Stars have hosted a Hockey School teaching youth in the community, of various ages, the ins and outs of the sport.

Caitlyn Gray, marketing and office manager for the North Stars, said the hockey school is made up of multiple camps that are taking place throughout this week, each featuring a number of different skill-developing drills and activities.

“The camps run Monday to Friday and each age group has a set schedule all week,” Gray said. “The novice, atom and peewee camps are held during the day from about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a mix of on-ice and dry-land [skills] and then they also go outside and play some soccer, and take part in other team-building activities.”

Gray went on to say there are also more advanced programs for older youth that take place in the evening.

“The bantam and midget-age camps are held in the evenings from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and they also do both an on-ice and dry-land session,” she said.

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When asked about the number of female youth registered for this year’s camps, Gray said the turnout has been very positive.

“Yeah, I’d say there are a lot [of girls] in the atom group, and the peewee group as well,” Gray said. “I think there are a few more this year that have joined, which is always good to see. The girls are always eager to join in and have some fun with the camps.”

When it comes to finding players who will volunteer to help run the camps, Gray said it is never too difficult a task.

“The players are always excited; this is kind of their first event back before the season, so they’re always excited to come out and help,” she said. “There are tons of kids, so we need lots of players and there are a few alumni here helping as well.”

Matthias Urbanski, who placed third in team scoring last season as a rookie in the SJHL, is just one of the current North Stars players volunteering their time at the hockey camps this week.

Urbanski said he sees the camps as a great opportunity for the players to get involved in the community, and have some fun while giving back.

“The program’s a great thing, especially for the Battlefords North Stars players that get active in the community; and the kids who are obviously loving it,” he said.

Urbanski also mentioned head coach Brayden Klimosko as a good person to lead the camp, due to his wealth of experience.

“I know especially with our new coach Brayden, he has a lot of experience, so he’s able to also filter that into the younger-age groups in our community which is awesome. We are just kind of helping them become the players we are today.”

When asked about what advice he would offer to young hockey players hoping to one day crack the North Stars, Urbanski said the key is to believe in yourself and stay dedicated.

“Just from experience, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Especially if you love the game of hockey, it’s all about having fun. If you have fun it and work hard it will eventually lead into something bigger,” he said.

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca 

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1