Forwards, Kevin-Thomas Walters (left) and Tyler Cheetham (right), pictured here on the first official day of North Stars main camp. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

North Stars shining

North Stars main camp kicks off at Civic Centre

Oct 6, 2020 | 10:02 AM

The Battlefords North Stars kicked off their main camp this week, as players returned to the community – and the Civic Centre ice – following an extended summer hiatus.

While there always seems to be a real buzz heading into a new season, this year the excitement has perhaps been amplified, with a palpable energy in the air.

“It’s been awesome; It’s been really nice getting back into the swing of things, as all the boys were getting pretty antsy to get back up and going,” Stars’ forward, Logan Spence said with a laugh. “I think it’s nice to get everything underway here once again.”

Spence, is just one of the North Stars’ veterans, heading into his 20-year-old season.

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Also among the leadership core, is fellow forward Jaxon Steele, who added that it’s great to see the competitive fire coming out so quick amongst the players at camp.

“[The competition] has been good,” Steele said. “It’s definitely great to be back with the boys and to see everyone again, and I think adding some guys from the fall camp last week has helped to up the intensity as well, which is always good.”

One of those players making the jump from fall camp last week to main camp this time around, is Kevin-Thomas Walters.

The 18-year-old, Vernon, BC., product said he’s been soaking in the experience as it comes through his first few days with the team.

“Coach Brayden [Klimosko] is an awesome guy and the players have all been really welcoming too, as they welcomed us all in right away as well, so it’s really been great,” Walters said. It’s just good to be back on the ice and here with the guys, seeing new faces and meeting new people. it’s all fun and I’m having a great time so far.”

The North Stars main camp will continue on throughout the week at the Civic Centre. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the camp is closed to the public this year.

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season was tentatively scheduled to begin on Oct. 9. However that timeline is subject to change, as the league still awaits the green light from the Saskatchewan Health Authority, before the season can commence.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1