North Stars forward, Ryland McNinch spotted here wearing the captain’s “C” for the first time this season, Tuesday night in Wilcox. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Leading the Way

North Stars name McNinch captain, identify leadership core

Nov 3, 2021 | 12:00 PM

Tuesday night was a milestone evening for the Battlefords North Stars, as the team revealed their leadership group for the remainder of the 2021-22 hockey season.

Third-year forward, Ryland McNinch will serve as captain of the team, while Dylan Esau, Riley Little and Sam Witt will serve as assistant (or ‘alternate’) captains.

Captain – Ryland McNinch

A product of nearby Turtleford, just an hour north of the Battlefords, McNinch called it “a real honour,” to be anointed captain of the team he grew up cheering for.

“It means a lot to be named captain of such a great organization, for me and my family,” McNinch said.

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“I’ve been a North Stars’ fan for as long as I can remember, coming to games when I was growing up and watching past captains like Layne Young, and Matthew Fletcher, [the latter of which] I played with as well. Those guys are awesome and it means a lot to join that role.”

Ryland McNinch scored a goal in his debut as captain of the North Stars, Tuesday. His seven goals are third-most on the team this season. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

With seven goals and 13 points in 17 games this year, McNinch’s play on the ice speaks for itself, though it is also his efforts away from the rink that showcase his leadership, as someone engaged in giving back to the community.

McNinch, who was named the team’s SJHL Community Ambassador for his efforts getting involved with team volunteer outreach in the Battlefords, is someone head coach Brayden Klimosko said only felt natural as the captain of the team this year.

“He’s a guy that everyone likes, everyone wants to be around, and he’s really respected in that room,” Klimosko said. “He has been since he was a rookie, to now when he’s 20. He’s just a guy that everyone wants to follow and a guy that everyone respects and enjoys being around.”

Assistants – Dylan Esau, Riley Little, Sam Witt

Wearing an “A” for the team, Dylan Esau is the longest-tenured North Star, and the lone remaining member from the 2019 Canalta Cup championship team, having put up 18 points in 17 games this year.

Also wearing the “A”, Sam Witt and Riley Little were both acquired by the North Stars over the last year, and have played an invaluable role stabilizing an otherwise very talented, but very young blue line.

Pictured left to right: Riley Little, Sam Witt and Dylan Esau will serve as assistant captains for the North Stars this season. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Playing only on rare occasions together, the pair have thrived in a mentorship role, while playing all situations and putting up solid point totals. Witt has nine points through 17 games this year, while Little has picked up five in 17.

Klimosko said he’s been very happy with what he’s seen from his veteran core through the early going this season.

“We’re really happy with this leadership group,” he said. “We’ve got the most rookies in the league I’d have to think, and these guys are helping to develop these rookies and our room’s really strong with those four leading the way.”

The North Stars will return to action Friday night at the Access Communications Centre in North Battleford. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin at 7 p.m., with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. on 1050 CJNB.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1