The North Stars fall camp began Friday in the community. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Hockey is Back

North Stars Fall Camp kicks off Friday

Oct 2, 2020 | 5:07 PM

There’s nothing quite like the crash of a big-body collision along the boards, or the artistry of an effortless stride cutting along a fresh sheet of ice.

These were just some of the sights and sounds on display at the Civic Centre Friday, signaling the triumphant return of hockey in the Battlefords.

The Battlefords North Stars kicked off day one of their fall camp Friday, featuring team prospects and unsigned players, vying for a spot at the team’s main camp this season.

One of those players on hand, hopeful to punch their ticket a step closer to making the opening night roster, is 17-year-old, Walker Douglas.

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A product of White City, Sask., Douglas, has spent the last two years at Prairie Hockey Academy in Caronport. There he posted 25 points in 23 games last season with the U-17 team, before adding another five points in eight games at the U-18 level.

Following an extended summer, Douglas said it was great just to get back out there, playing the game in a competitive atmosphere again.

“It was awesome; I’ve been practicing since the start of September, but that’s just practicing with my hockey team back at home, so coming out to a game-like situation is a change,” Douglas said. “It was very fast-paced hockey out there, so it’s just good to be out for a weekend here and to play some fast hockey.”

Sixteen-year-old, Daniel Ganert, who is in his third year attending a Stars’ camp, echoed the sentiment. He said the competition from the get-go was something he has been looking forward to.

Ganert is coming off a season of U-16 AAA hockey in Medicine Hat that saw him pick up 27 points in 33 games. However, more than just an offensive player, the scrimmages Friday also allowed the Fox Valley product to showcase his physical side as well.

“The first few shifts I laid into a few bodies and I think that’s what I’m here to do basically,” Ganert said. “It was really nice, [especially after] you haven’t got to do it for six or seven months, so it was awesome.”

The team’s fall camp will run throughout the weekend from Friday to Sunday, with various intrasquad scrimmages and drills.

Martensville’s Payton Kachur, who played his U-18 AAA with Yorkton last season, said the quick tempo and mix of five-on-five, four-on-four, and three-on-three play, set the pace for the weekend early making it easy to get back in the swing of things pretty quickly.

When asked what he’s most looking forward to this weekend, the 17-year-old said with a smile, “hopefully get some goals, get some points and have some fun.”

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1