North Stars 20-year-olds reflect on end of season, junior career (Pt. 2)

The following is Part 2/2 of a series on battlefordsNOW, reflecting on the junior hockey careers of the six North Stars’ 20-year-olds. To read Part 1, click here.

With the abrupt conclusion to the 2020-21 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) season, the Battlefords North Stars must say goodbye to another class of 20-year-olds.

Six players from this season’s roster will graduate from the junior hockey ranks, taking with them a host of memories and cherished moments that will last a lifetime.

#9 Breydon Berthold

A veteran of just under 100 career CJHL games, Breydon Berthold wasted no time establishing himself as a fan-favorite and leadership presence within the North Stars’ community.

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Dropping the gloves in his first game with the club to defend a teammate, the Leduc, Alta., product provided the Stars with a mix of grit, intangibles, and skill, while also factoring in as a focal point on both special teams.

Berthold finishes his junior career with 32 points in 98 career Junior A games, split between the Olds Grizzlies, Drayton Valley Thunder, Okotoks Oilers, Lloydminster Bobcats, and Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the AJHL, and North Stars of the SJHL.

#23 Timon Prexler

The lone 20-year-old blueliner for the Stars this season, Timon Prexler seemed destined for big things in 2020-21.

After beginning his junior career with Bellingham Blazers of the Western States Hockey League (WSHL), Prexler joined the Stars as a 19-year-old rookie during the 2019-20 campaign, finishing just a single point back of the team lead for rookie scoring with 14 points in just 38 games.

A mobile defender with natural offensive instincts, Prexler showcased his game-breaking acumen in December of last season, scoring four goals over a three-game span when filling in in a top-four role on the blue line.

Prexler scored 15 points In 41 career SJHL games, all with the North Stars. In late January, Prexler joined the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes of the USPHL Premier League, helping lead the club to the semifinals at the national tournament.

#1 Kristian Lyon

Goaltender Kristian Lyon was acquired by the North Stars at the CJHL trade deadline last season, after beginning his junior career with his hometown Langley Rivermen of the BCHL.

Upon joining the Stars, Lyon hit the ground running, posting an 8-1 record and .933 save percentage, en route to earning the starting job for the team heading into the 2020 postseason.

Lyon’s quick reflexes and penchant for swallowing up pucks set the tone for his team, instilling confidence in the group from the crease, out.

In 11 career games with the North Stars, Lyon posted an 8-2 record, along with a .916 save percentage. In late February, Lyon committed to Red Deer College of the ACAC for the fall of 2021.

Although the Stars’ graduating personnel will not return to the ice at the Civic Centre next season, the ripple effects of their contributions to the North Stars, their returning teammates, and the community will continue to be felt for years to come.

—

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1