The North Stars leadership group for the 2022-23 season, pictured L-R: Tynan Ewart, Steven Kesslering, Emmett Wurst, Jake Southgate, Zane Florence, Keiton Klein. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff).

By Martin Martinson

Announce Alternate Captains

North Stars solidify leadership group for 2022-23

Oct 26, 2022 | 4:00 PM

The Battlefords North Stars have announced their core leadership group for the 2022-23 hockey season.

Since naming local standout, Jake Southgate captain of the team just prior to the summer, the Stars brass have been waiting to announce their alternates. They revealed a sneak peek before Tueday’s game against the Estevan Bruins, as defenceman Tynan Ewart and forwards Steven Kesslering and Keiton Klein came out for warmups donning the ‘A’ on their chest

Additionally, forwards Emmett Wurst and Zane Florence will also serve as alternates for the team. Together the five will share the A’s, as Ewart and Kesslering will wear the ‘A’ full-time, with the third cycling through Klein, Wurst, and Florence.

Head coach of the Stars Brayden Klimosko said he likes what he’s seen from the group this season, and the leadership they’ve exemplified over their time with the team.

“You always want to make sure it’s the right message, the right guys in place and I think we’ve done that,” Klimosko said. “We’ve got so many good leaders in that locker room and they’re a big part of this club moving forward. For us to go where we want to this year, we’re going to need them to keep doing what they’re doing, leading on the ice and in that room and they deserve to be recognized for that.”

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The coach went on to say that what makes the group special is the way they complement one another, with their varying leadership styles.

“You’ve got Florence who’s just your ultimate worker, Tynan [Ewart] who’s the best defenceman in the league, Kess[lering] who’s been here forever and just continues to battle and work hard, Keiton Klein who’s a shot-blocking machine, and Wursty [Emmett Wurst] who is very vocal; he understands the game and that team aspect,” Klimosko said.

“I think all of them together give us a really good group and I’m looking forward to them continuing what they bring game in and game out.”

Kesslering, who is the longest-tenured North Star, has been a staple of the team’s tenacious and fast-paced identity since first earning a spot as a regular in the lineup as a 17-year-old back in the 2019-20 season.

Now a 20-year-old vet in his fourth season, the Viceroy product told battlefordsNOW what it means to be recognized as part of the leadership group.

“It means a lot to me,” Kesslering said. “We have a lot of great leaders on this team, so I’m happy to be named to this group. […] It’s definitely a second home here, I’ve probably spent more time here in North Battleford than I have at home over the last couple of years.”

Wurst, who along with Klein is one of the two players given an ‘A’ to have made their Stars’ debut last season, echoed his teammate’s sentiment about the strong leadership throughout the team. He also added that it’s the tight-knit nature of the group and their common goal of team success first, that plays a strong role in their success.

“There’s a lot of leaders in that room and I wear the North Stars logo with a lot of pride, and I hope to show the younger guys how it’s done and help lead us to a championship,” Wurst said. “It’s like a family in [the dressing room]. It’s the best group I’ve ever been in and everyone’s hanging out. There’s no bad apples, it’s always a great time at the rink.”

The North Stars are a league-best 14-0-1 this season through their opening 15 games. The team will return to play this weekend for their best test yet, with a home-and-home against the division-rival Humboldt Broncos for the first meeting of the season series between the league’s top two teams.

Friday’s game will be played in North Battleford, with Saturday’s in Humboldt. The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast will be available Friday night on 1050 CJNB, with Saturday’s game on 93.3 The Rock. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin both nights at 7 p.m., with puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1