North Stars see night of celebration at annual awards banquet

Amongst the foremost reasons for the team’s success has been the ability for young and previously inexperienced players heading into the year, to really become prominent impact players over the course of the season.

One of the first year players spearheading the youth movement for the Stars this season was Brett Gammer. Gammer finished first on the team, and top five in the league in rookie production this season, notching 16 goals and 34 points in 57 games this year.

Stars’ forward Brett Gammer took home Rookie of the Year honours Thursday night, after leading all first-year North Stars in goals (16), assists (18) and points (34). (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

For his efforts, Gammer took home Rookie of the Year honours. The Edmonton, Alta., product was quick to bring up his teammates when asked about his award win.

“Feels pretty good,” Gammer said. “It could be given out to a lot of different guys, a lot of guys were really big for us this whole year. I’ve really liked our whole team, they’re a great group and it’s a big honour for sure to be picked for that award; I couldn’t be happier.”

Other rookies recognized on the night include forward Dylan Esau and defenceman Seth Summers, who were named co-winners of Most Improved Player.

North Stars’ rookies Dylan Esau (left) and Seth Summers (right) pictured here recieving Most Improved Player honours. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Esau, as the youngest North Star on the roster, began the season in and out of the lineup, playing mostly fourth line minutes. He is now an integral part of the Stars’ third unit and team identity with his speed, while chipping in on special teams’ play as well.

Summers who was a forward as recently as just a season ago, made the team out of camp on the blue line, bouncing around largely on the third pairing. Over the course of the year, however, Summers cemented himself as a pillar of strength, and staple on the team’s second defensive pairing alongside Matthew Fletcher.

A large reason for the team’s youthful growth has been thanks to a solid leadership core pre-established on the team to help guide the rookies as they navigated the grind of the SJHL’s 58 game schedule.

To no surprise, Stars’ captain Cody Spagrud, who was named SJHL Top Defenceman also picked up the team’s distinction of Defenceman of the Year to add to his mantle.

North Stars’ captain Cody Spagrud took home Top Defenceman honours Thursday by unanimous vote of his teammates. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Alternate captain Owen Lamb picked up two awards on the night, including the Humanitarian and Fans’ Choice awards. Braydon Buziak, meanwhile was given the North West Hockey Development Association Scholarship, valued at $2,500.

North Battleford product, Owen Lamb picked up a couple of awards Thursday to cap off a career season statistically. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Stars’ netminder Joel Grzybowski, who proved to be the club’s backbone all season long, took home Most Dedicated Player.

Battlefords’ netminder, Joel Grzybowski who played more minutes than any other goalie this season, picked up Most Dedicated Player. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Battlefords’ leading scorer MacGregor Sinclair, who finished the year sixth in league scoring with 72 points in just 57 games, took home Team MVP. Much like the youngster Gammer, Sinclair’s response to receiving the award was one of humility, highlighting his teammates.

Stars’ forward MacGregor Sinclair was an offensive catalyst all season long, picking up 72 points in just 57 games. (Martin Martinson/battlfordsNOW Staff)

“I’m honoured,” Sinclair said. “Obviously there were a lot of guys who are deserving of an award like this one, and I’m just extremely grateful.”

Dressed up in suit and tie, the team’s comradery was also visibly on display in eye-catching fashion, with the North Stars’ players sporting bleach-blonde mohawks to top off their attire.

Asked about who’s idea it was to sport the ostentatious “do’s,” Stars’ forward Matthias Urbanski said the idea came about pretty organically.

“Well the Mohawk idea was basically a collective group idea,” Urbanski said with a laugh. “We did want to do team mullets, but if you didn’t have a mullet, like me, you had to do a Mohawk, and I think again, we just as a group picked blonde.”

The night concluded with the 20-year-olds being called to the front to receive their jerseys that they will be able to keep at years’ end.

“We’re not quite done with them this year though boys,” Klimosko said to a rouse of laughter in the room.

The coach, of course, was referring to the team’s playoff journey ahead that will begin with game one of the quarterfinals to take place at the Civic Centre March 15. The team will play the top wildcard, or highest seeded team to come out of the survivor series.

A quick look at the award winners:

Humanitarian Award: Owen Lamb

Most Improved: Dylan Esau, Seth Summers

Regular season MVP: MacGregor Sinclair

Most Valuable Defenceman: Cody Spagrud

Most Dedicated: Joel Grzybowski

Fans Choice: Owen Lamb

Rookie of the Year: Brett Gammer

North West Hockey Development Association Scholarship: Braydon Buziak

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1

by Martin Martinson

North Stars see night of celebration at annual awards banquet

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