North Stars' forwards Elijah Loon-Stewardson (L) and Quintin Loon-Stewardson (R), pictured here, have proven themselves to be integral pieces to the North Stars’ success so far this season, and staples within the top six forward group. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Stars' dynamic duo

Two brothers, born to be Stars

Mar 12, 2019 | 3:38 PM

Born and raised in Sioux Lookout, Ontario., brothers Elijah Loon-Stewardson and Quintin Loon-Stewardson of the Battlefords North Stars grew up sharing, right from a young age, an undeniable passion for the game of hockey.

“We were always shooting pucks in the backyard and playing road hockey with friends around the neighbourhood,” Quintin said. Elijah then jumped in to add that the pair would take turns in goal saying they “both loved it.”

Just 13 months apart in age, growing up the two would be teammates every second year. Of course, through their minor hockey years, even when they were teammates, they weren’t always linemates on their teams back home.

“I was usually a defenceman, while [Quintin] was a forward growing up,” Elijah said. “We kind of did our own thing until about midget when we started actually playing on a line.”

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The elder Loon-Stewardson, Elijah played defence until his second year of Bantam, before a brief stint at forward, then moving back to the blue line again for his second year of Midget.

“I’m more of a straight forward-line kind of guy, I like to attack in the offensive zone,” Elijah answered when asked about why he did eventually make the permanent move up front.

Having finished the regular season seventh in team scoring with 16 goals, 38 points in just 55 games this year, it appears as though the Stars’ sophomore made the right decision.

Elijah joined the North Stars last season, playing 45 games with the team, picking up 17 points in the process.

The story of how Elijah initially came to the Battlefords though, is a unique one to say the least.

After playing Midget AAA in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and following a standout performance at the Western Regionals, a big tournament featuring teams from Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, Loon-Stewardson was contacted by Battlefords’ head scout and assistant GM Wylie Riendeau.

“Following the Western Regionals he messaged me, and right away I got a good connection going with him,” Loon-Stewardson said. “I talked with him quite a bit on the phone, and just felt right about coming here.”

Upon agreeing to join the team, Loon-Stewardson would then take the train to the Battlefords, traveling cross-country to first meet, and also join his new teammates with the Stars organization.

“[It was] a 24-hour train ride. What an experience,” he said with a smile upon reflection.

Quintin Loon-Stewardson, who joined his brother in the Battlefords this season, finishing second on the team and sixth overall in rookie production this year with 14 goals, 28 points, said the choice to come to Saskatchewan and reunite with Elijah came pretty naturally.

“I always had a feeling that I was going to come meet up with him, so [we could] play some Junior together,” Quintin said. “I just thought coming out to Saskatchewan would be the right move for furthering my hockey career.”

Also much like his brother, the decision to leave Ontario and come to the SJHL brought with it a long commute to get here. Quintin played last season with the Powassan VooDoos of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. Powassan is 29 hours from the Battlefords.

When asked if he too came to the Battlefords via bus commute, Quintin shook his head with a smirk.

“No, I actually got the pleasure of a flight,” he said with a laugh.

The Loon-Stewardson’s and their North Stars’ teammates will return to action Friday, March 15 for game one of their quarter final series against the Flin Flon Bombers at the NB Civic Centre.

Ultra Print Pregame Show begins at 7 p.m. with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. on NAPA North Stars hockey on 1050 CJNB.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1