North Stars' forwards Kaden Boser, Ryan Gil and MacGregor Sinclair (Pictured L-R) enjoy the day at the Kids' Club pizza party at Discovery Co-op Mall in North Battleford Thursday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff) : Martin Martinson

By Martin Martinson

Stars shine in community

North Stars stand out in community

Feb 21, 2019 | 4:47 PM

The Battlefords North Stars have been involved with many different community initiatives this season.

From reading to students at local schools and playing street hockey, to picking up garbage and even volunteering in the kitchen to prepare meals for the homeless.

Thursday afternoon the team was once again seen out and about, this time at Co-op Discovery Mall for a Kids’ Club & North Stars’ Pizza Party from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Following the late lunch that offered free pizza and juice, children were given the opportunity to meet their favorite North Stars’ players up close, as members of the team were on hand to sign autographs and play various mini games.

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The Battlefords North Stars, seen here picking up garbage earlier this season. (submitted photo/Jennifer Whyte)

Jennifer Whyte, the marketing and office Manager with the North Stars, said the idea came about as just another way to help bring fans and players together.

Whyte believes community outreach by the team can only help enhance the viewing experience for those attending North Stars’ games.

“I think it’s very important for the fans to be able to connect on a personal level with the players,” Whyte said. “It makes game nights that much more exciting for the fans because then they can say they talked to that guy, did the obstacle course with him, and got an autograph from another.”

Stars’ defenceman Austin Shumanski, pictured here at one of the North Stars’ visits to a local school earlier this year. (Facebook/North Stars)

Stars’ forward, Matthias Urbanski, said while events like the pizza party are organized to make the day something special for the kids, the community’s youngsters aren’t the only ones who have a good time.

“It’s been a really good day,” Urbanski said. “Anytime the Stars can get out and into the community, it’s really good for us. Not only does it really show how much we care for our community and how thankful we are for them; it’s also a lot of fun for us too.”

As just a boy growing up in Prince George, B.C., Urbanski said he too was a big fan of the junior hockey teams of his home region, like the Spruce Kings and Victoria Cougars.

“[They] were always around doing stuff in the community, and any time I could get my parents to drive me out to a mall or to the rink for autographs, I would be right on it,” Urbanski said. “I’ve always looked up to those guys. I can definitely tell a lot of the kids in the community look up to us like that as well, which is just really awesome.”

With the SJHL regular season winding to a close, the North Stars return to game action this weekend with three games in three nights on the road Friday to Sunday. Beginning the trip will be a tilt with the Weyburn Red Wings at Crescent Point Place in Weyburn.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1