Each player on the 2021-22 North Stars roster received a framed team picture during the night's event to take home. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Best of 2022

North Stars celebrate season with annual year-end awards banquet

Apr 2, 2022 | 2:02 AM

The Battlefords North Stars celebrated their 2021-22 season Friday night at the ACC in North Battleford.

Each of the team’s players, along with coaches, parents, billets and supporters gathered together for the event, celebrating the best of the past season.

Dylan Esau took home five awards on the night, including for Top Scorer, after pacing the team with 58 points in 57 games this year. He also won MVP, and received a $2,500 scholarship from North West Hockey Development, in addition to sharing Team Playoff MVP with Stars goaltender, Michael Harroch.

Dylan Esau pictured here with his awards from the night, including Top Scorer, MVP and Playoff MVP. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Esau and Harroch together accept the award for Playoff MVP. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

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Jake Southgate took home Top Rookie honours after finishing tied for first in team goals (23), and second in points (52) in 55 games his first full season of SJHL play.

Jake Southgate receives Rookie of the Year honours, presented by Stars assistant coaches Garry Childerhose (left) and Matt Procyshen. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Tynan Ewart, who also also wrapped his rookie campaign, was named Top Defenceman for his standout two-way play this year, which included pacing all North Stars blue liners – and finishing eight overall in league defenceman scoring this season – with 32 points in 57 games.

Tynan Ewart receives Top Defenceman honours.. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

“It’s pretty cool for sure,” Ewart said of the award. “Obviously with this being my first year of junior and to have a good year like I did, I’m just going to try to build off it for next year.”

Matthew Henry won the Fan’s Choice Award on the night, while Zane Florence was recognized with the team’s Humanitarian Award for his efforts in the community and volunteering.

Matthew Henry wins the Fan’s Choice Award. Henry wasted no time establishing himself as a real fan-favourite in the community in his first season of junior play. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Zane Florence earned the Stars Humanitarian Award for his efforts giving back to his home community. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Tanner Gold took home Most Improved Player, after making the team out of camp, and going on to solidify himself as a staple in the team’s top-four and as a matchup defenceman against the opposition’s best as the season went along.

Tanner Gold receives Most Improved Player. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

The still-18-year-old defenceman credits his teammates and the organization’s winning culture with helping him take the next step in his development this year.

“It means a lot, and I just came to the rink every day and the guys were pushing me every day,” Gold said. “It’s easy to get better in this atmosphere here where everyone’s always pushing each other to get better.”

Lastly, Stars captain Ryland McNinch took home the distinction of Most Dedicated Player for his work both on the ice and off, helping set the tone for his teammates and continue that culture this year.

Ryland McNinch receives Most Dedicated Player. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

“It was good to see everyone come out and obviously congratulations to everyone who got an award tonight,” McNinch said following the event. “It was a great season and a fun night.”

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1