Stars’ blue liner, Cody Spagrud will head to the University of Saskatchewan this fall to study agribusiness and suit up for the Huskies hockey team. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Leaving an impact

Stars’ captain Spagrud commits to U of S Huskies

Jun 27, 2019 | 2:00 PM

North Stars’ captain Cody Spagrud has committed to the University of Saskatchewan for the fall of 2019.

Spagrud, a two-time Canalta Cup champion, captained the North Stars to the league title this season, his fourth full-year with the team.

“Winning a championship is something you’re always going to remember, but winning one in your last year is something extra special,” the blue liner said. “Everyone who’s come through the organization has wanted to win, and I made a lot of lifelong friends on the way and had so much fun in front of such amazing fans.”

Cody Spagrud (#3), pictured alongside Stars’ teammate, MacGregor Sinclair (#19), with whom he won two championships with over his tenure with the Stars. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

In addition to the team awards, the Gull Lake product picked up some personal hardware, being named SJHL Top Defenceman for the 2019 season.

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Spagrud finished third among defencemen in scoring last season with 42 points in 56 games, including placing top-five in both goals (10) and assists (32).

Although Spagrud will undoubtedly leave some big shoes to fill for the returning members on the North Stars’ blue line, the veteran’s impact is a lasting one North Stars’ coach Brayden Klimosko said will continue to benefit the team.

“If there’s someone to learn from, it’s Spagrud,” Klimosko said. “[Last year], players did a really good job of learning from the best. On and off the ice, Spagrud was a true professional and someone we relied heavily on that was always up for the challenge.

“He deserves to play for an elite program like the U of S, and for him to get an opportunity with them, I’m so excited for him.”

Spagrud (right), pictured here alongside North Stars’ forward, Brett Gammer (left). Gammer was one of 12 rookies on the Stars’ roster this season, a young group that will no doubt benefit from their time spent with the captain. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Spagrud spent his entire Junior ‘A’ career with the North Stars. His 214 career games are the fourth-most in franchise history, while his 117 points rank third amongst blue liners to don the North Stars’ black and silver.

Spagrud said he’s looking forward to joining another winning organization with the Huskies.

“They have been a really good team for a long time,” he said. “You always want to go into a winning [program] where the compete level is always going to be high.”

The Huskies finished atop the Canada West standings in 2018-19, making the league final against the University of Alberta.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1