Langley, B.C., product, Kristian Lyon established himself as a premier goaltender in the SJHL during his time with the North Stars. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Stars goalie Shines

North Stars Lyon commits to Red Deer College

Feb 24, 2021 | 6:15 PM

It didn’t take long for goaltender Kristian Lyon to hit the ground running with the North Stars last season, and it’s a performance he’ll be looking to replicate at the next level this fall.

The 20-year-old has committed to the Red Deer College Kings, for the 2021-22 season.

Lyon said he is looking forward to joining the Kings. Red Deer’s program just felt like the right fit; from the staff to the facility.

“The rink is brand new, just built a couple years ago for the Canada Winter Games, so it’s pretty cool and they have a nice setup,” Lyon said. “Coach Trevor [Keeper] seems like a good guy and he’s a teacher at the school there too.”

Standing tall at 6’2, with sound positioning and quick reflexes, goaltender Kristian Lyon doesn’t give opposing shooters much between the pipes. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

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Lyon, who was acquired by the Stars at the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) trade deadline last year from his hometown Langley Rivermen wasted no time proving himself with an opportunity at the ‘Junior A’ ranks with the Stars.

In nine games with the team last year, the then 19-year-old posted a 2.33 goals-against average (GAA) and .933 save percentage (sv%), en route to an 8-1 record on his way to the playoffs.

Earning the starting job for the first-place Stars, Lyon only continued his elite play through the first four games of the playoffs, going 3-1 with a 2.25 GAA and .922 sv% prior to the postseason being cut short due to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lyon said he is grateful for his time spent with the North Stars, both on the ice and off of it.

“The fans have been great from day one and same with the coaching staff with Brayden [Klimosko] and Rob [Holoien],” he said. “The billet family I stayed with was also probably the best family I could ever ask to stay with. So overall, it was a pretty good experience for me and one I can look back on for years to come.”

Head coach of the Stars, Brayden Klimosko said he was happy to hear the new of Lyon’s commitment, adding that the 20-year-old has all the tools to thrive at the next level.

“It’s obviously really exciting and for him to be able to continue his career which is great,” Klimosko said. “I think he’s got lots to show at the collegiate level and I think the fire is still burning bright where he wants to be successful at that level. He should be a good one for Red Deer and they should be excited.”

Last season, Red Deer finished second in the ACAC (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference) standings, with a 20-6-2 record.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1