Fletcher was named captain of the North Stars ahead of the season, and has helped lead the organization to their second-best finish in franchise history. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Crème de la crème

Stars’ captain shines, as Fletcher named SJHL Top Defenceman

Feb 27, 2020 | 11:36 PM

It has been a storybook season for the Battlefords North Stars this year, with the latest chapter going out to their captain, Matthew Fletcher.

Thursday night, the Stars’ blue liner was named SJHL Defenceman of the Year, becoming just the fourth player in franchise history to receive the honour, joining former teammate Cody Spagrud (2018-19), Fraser Allen (2006-07) and Drew Bagnall (2002-03) as the others.

In addition to the raw totals, Fletcher has proven his worth amongst the most clutch performers in the league as well. The rearguard’s four game-winning goals serve as most amongst defenceman in the league this year. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Head coach of the North Stars, Brayden Klimosko, said he is not surprised in the least to see Fletcher’s name get enshrined on the trophy, highlighting that it’s the defenceman’s effort and dedication to the team that really sets him apart as a special player.

“Fletcher is the first guy to the rink every day,” Klimosko said. “He’s there before the coaches arrive. He has been a great leader and someone you can trust in all situations. I love how every situation he is in – whether at practice or with just a minute left in the game – he’s going to give it all he has in the tank.”

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Coming off a league championship last spring, Fletcher has only upped the ante in his 20-year-old season. The veteran has exploded for 11 goals and 46 points through 55 games, while helping to lead his team to a league-best 44-10-2 record and the top seed overall heading into the playoffs.

The distinction of Top Defenceman only seems a natural progression for Fletcher, who was one of only two rearguards in the league last season to take home Defenceman of the Week honours twice (doing so in consecutive weeks), before repeating the feat again this year with back-to-back billings to put the Saskatoon product in truly rarified air.

A goalie’s best friend: Fletcher’s play this season has endeared him to the Battlefords’ netminders, making life a little easier when #4 is on the ice. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Fletcher’s role on the offensive side of the puck only serves as an added bonus to the Saskatoon product’s defensive chops. Counted on to play big minutes against the opposition’s best, Fletcher highlights a Stars’ defence that has allowed just 143 goals-against this season, the fewest in the league.

Perhaps no player is better aware of what Fletcher brings to the ice each night, then the defenceman’s teammate and defence-partner over the last two years, Seth Summers.

“The guy deserves it,” Summers said in response to his teammate’s new hardware. “He’s been dominant all year on the defensive side and on the offensive side of the puck. He works hard and he’s really helped me out with my game; I’ve been playing with him for a year and a half now and I wouldn’t want to be playing with anyone else, that’s for sure.”

Fletcher and his North Stars’ teammates will wrap up their regular-season this weekend with a home-and-home against the rival Kindersley Klippers. Friday night will be the Stars’ final home game at the Civic Centre, ahead of the playoffs. The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast will begin at 7:15 p.m. with puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to Fletcher’s Top Defenceman nod, in other league awards’ news, Yorkton Terriers’ captain Chantz Petruic took home the RBC Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards; Melville Millionaires’ goalie Berk Berkeliev was named Top Goaltender; and Flin Flon’s Tristan Lemyre was selected as Rookie of the Year.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1