Michael Harroch and Steven Kesslering helped lead the North Stars to back-to-back wins over Notre Dame and Estevan during their southern road swing to end last week, earning some league-wide recognition in the process. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Stars Shine Bright

North Stars Harroch, Kesslering recognized in Players of the Week

Dec 1, 2021 | 2:00 PM

As the Battlefords North Stars continue to roll, coming off a 2-0-1 record through their southern Saskatchewan road swing last weekend, a pair of Stars have been recognized with SJHL Player of the Week honours.

Third-year standout, Steven Kesslering was named Forward of the Week, while veteran goalie, Michael Harroch received Goaltender of the Week honours.

RBC Forward of the Week, Steven Kesslering

Steven Kesslering scored three goals on the team’s three-game swing, giving him a team-leading 12 this season.

Kesslering opened the trip with two goals Thursday at Notre Dame, including a dazzling shorthanded tally and a critical tying goal with just 45 seconds to go in the third to lead to an eventual 5-4 Stars OT win.

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Steven Kesslering and Michael Harroch celebrate following a North Stars victory this season. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Following up the performance with another tying goal in Friday’s 2-1 win over Estevan, Kesslering’s 25 points are now second on the team, and just two back of the club lead.

Kesslering said he was just happy to be able to contribute in a meaningful way to the team’s success during an important road trip.

“Those three games in three days was a tough challenge and I think it shows a lot of character for our team that we could come away with five of a possible six points,” Kesslering said. “It’s good that the team can rely on its veteran guys including myself, and it just shows I’ve been putting in the work, so it means a lot to me.”

This is Kesslering’s second weekly award this season. The product of Viceroy, Sask., was also named SJHL MVP of the Week earlier this year for his play the week of Oct. 18.

SaskTel SJHL Goaltender of the Week, Michael Harroch

This marks the second time in the last three weeks Harroch has been recognized atop his peer group, taking Goaltender of the Week honours for his outstanding play between the pipes.

Harroch played two of his team’s three games last week, stopping 67 of 72 total shots against in back-to-back victories over Notre Dame (stopping 33 of 37) and Estevan (34 of 35), giving him an eye-catching 2.67 goals-against average and .931 save percentage for the week.

Harroch called it something special to be recognized among the top players in the league again this week.

“It always feels nice to be recognized, and I’ve put in so much hard work over the summer and throughout the season and in practice, so it’s always nice to see it starting to pay off,” Harroch said.

The 20-year-old North Vancouver, B.C., product has been lights-out since being acquired by the Stars in late-October. Harroch is 8-1-1 this season, and leads all goalies with a .937 save percentage while his 2.24 goals-against average is also top-five in the league.

For a full list of the SJHL Players of the Week, click here.

Kesslering, Harroch and their North Stars teammates will return to play Saturday night on home ice when the Notre Dame Hounds come to North Battleford.

The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast will be available on 1050 CJNB. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin at 7 p.m., with puck drop at 7:30 p.m.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1