The North Stars hockey school brings youth from the community together with their hockey heros from the local team. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Hockey’s back

North Stars Hockey School brings hockey and community together again

Aug 18, 2020 | 10:19 AM

“It’s been awesome.”

That’s the word through the early going at the North Stars Hockey School from Rhett C., a local youth hockey player now in his third year attending the camp.

From on-ice training and skill development, to road hockey and even some basketball on the nearby court outdoors, it has been a busy but fun start to the week at the Civic Centre, as hockey has officially made its triumphant return to the local community.

However, it hasn’t been just the kids having a good time.

Head coach of the Stars, Brayden Klimosko, said it has been great to get back at the rink skating and having some fun again, after a long summer.

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“The best part for me personally, was to be back on the ice and finally getting back to some normalcy,” Klimosko said. “I was thinking about it and it was my first full day here not on the phone or in quarantine since March 12, so it’s been a long, long time. It was fun to get up this morning; I had a smile on my face and was just excited to be back at the Civic Centre.”

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there have been some adjustments to the Hockey School this year. In addition to an increased emphasis on sanitizing, there are also newly implemented capacity limits for parents and guardians watching their children among the changes.

Despite a few new wrinkles here and there though, Klimosko said the important thing is the camp remains a fun and educational environment, to learn more about the nation’s favourite game.

“It’s a little different this year obviously; you have masks on, and you have hand sanitizer everywhere, but overall hopefully the kids are having some fun and enjoying themselves,” he said.

It was a beautiful day for some outdoor fun and games Monday, as the North Stars Hockey School kicked off at the Civic Centre. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

North Stars’ forward, Logan Spence is one of several players who will be helping out between the two weeks of the Hockey School this summer.

A hometown boy from the Battlefords originally, Spence said it was an easy decision to want to lend a hand with the camp. Especially as someone who used to attend himself, when he was younger.

“I love working that camp; I used to go to the Stars’ camp for the week every year when I was younger and I just loved being around all the [North Stars players],” Spence said. “It’s been really cool to be able to come up through the ranks and be able to teach at the camp now as well.”

Opening week of the Hockey School wraps up Friday. The second week will run from Aug. 24 to 28.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1