While unable to have the usual banquet celebration, the North Stars announced their team award winners for the 2019-20 season last night. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

North Stars’ Brightest

North Stars celebrate season with announcement of team awards

Mar 18, 2020 | 3:00 PM

While the official awards banquet was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Battlefords North Stars announced Tuesday night, the winners of their annual team awards.

Steven Kesslering took home Rookie of the Year honours; while Ryland McNinch was named Most Improved Player. Matthew Fletcher and Seth Summers were selected as co-recipients of Defenceman of the Year; Austin Schwab, Most Dedicated; Quintin Loon-Stewardson, Most Valuable; and Matthias Urbanski, given Fan’s Choice.

Stars’ forward Steven Kesslering took home Rookie of the Year honours for the Stars. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Steven Kesslering – Rookie of the Year

The youngest player on the North Stars’ roster, Kesslering made the North Stars out of camp this season and wasted no time making an immediate impact at just 17-years-of-age.

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Kesslering picked up an assist in his debut and added his first career Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) goal just a night later, on his way to leading all Stars’ rookies in goals (7) and points (15) despite missing 14 games this year.

In addition to the offence, Kesslering’s boundless energy, quick hands and fore-checking prowess made him a favourite linemate for teammates, and nightmare for opposition defencemen to handle, on a nightly basis.

Stars’ forward Ryland McNinch took home Most Improved honours for the Stars. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Ryland McNinch – Most Improved Player

Due to the team’s depth of attack and wealth of skill and experience, McNinch played much of his rookie campaign in a depth role developing the subtle nuances of the game at the ‘Junior A’ level. The Turtleford, Sask., product became an integral piece on the penalty kill and energy lines, while also developing into a go-to force on the faceoffs.

However, as the injuries began to pile up for the Stars in the back-half of the schedule, McNinch was given additional minutes, with the 18-year-old making the most of his opportunity for an increased role. McNinch finished the season with two goals over his last three games – and like Kesslering – is among the key building blocks for the North Stars moving forward.

Stars’ defencemen Matthew Fletcher (#4) and Seth Summers (#27) shared Defenceman of the Year honours for the Stars. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Defenceman of the Year – Matthew Fletcher and Seth Summers

It’s not often the two top defencemen in the league play on the same team, much less the top pairing alongside one another.

Fletcher and Summers finished the season tied for second in blue line scoring, with 13 goals and 49 points apiece.

Fletcher was named SJHL Defenceman of the Week twice, and runner-up for the title an additional three times; while Summers took the distinction once, and was runner-up twice. Together the pair were able to control the pace of play and tilt the ice in favour of their team on a nightly basis.

Stars’ goaltender Austin Schwab took home Most Dedicated honours for the Stars. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Most Dedicated – Austin Schwab

Breaking into the league as an 18-year-old netminder, Schwab posted a 13-3 record along with a 2.70 goals-against average and .916 save percentage.

Whether staying late after practice to fine-tune his skills, or helping load and unload the bus on road trips throughout the year, Schwab’s commitment to the team and to being the best he can be, helped establish the first-year player as a force between the pipes for the Battlefords.

Schwab was a key contributor to the Stars finishing with the fewest goals-against this season, as one-third of the team’s three-headed monster in goal.

Stars’ forward Quintin Loon-Stewardson took home Most Valuable Player honours for the Stars. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Most Valuable Player – Quintin Loon-Stewardson

Loon-Stewardson was one of three nominees for SJHL Player of the Year, so it should come as no surprise the Sioux Lookout, ON., product takes the honour of Team MVP as well.

Providing a mix of elite scoring and edge, Loon-Stewardson finished the season just outside the top-10 league scorers with 55 points (14^th overall), including a team-leading 30 goals (5^th most), while also adding 168 PIMS (10^th) to keep opponents honest.

In addition to the scoring, Loon-Stewardson also provided a solid defensive presence, often being used in a matchup role against the top line of the opposition, while serving as a focal point on both the power play and penalty kill.

Stars’ forward Matthias Urbanski took home Fan’s Choice honours for the Stars. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Fan’s Choice – Matthias Urbanski

Matthias Urbanski finished second in goals (22) and points (57) on the North Stars this season, but even more impressive was the lasting impact the Oliver, B.C., product made within the community.

Urbanski spearheaded an initiative titled, Stars Stand Strong, designed to bring awareness to the importance of mental health by hosting various community-based activities and outreach opportunities with all proceeds being donated to local supports and services within the community.

Additionally, Urbanski could always be found at team functions/events – whether reading stories at elementary schools or playing street hockey with the young North Stars of tomorrow – interacting with fans, with a smile on his face.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1