Josh Kotai and Jackson Allan each played a key role in the Stars' back-to-back wins over the weekend to give the team a 2-0 series lead in the SJHL FInals. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

League-wide recognition

North Stars Kotai, Allan named to SJHL Players of the Week

Apr 18, 2023 | 3:17 PM

A pair of Battlefords North Stars have been named to the SJHL players of the week, for their outstanding play to open the Canterra Seeds Cup Finals.

Goaltender Josh Kotai was named SJHL MVP of the week and goaltender of the week, while forward Jackson Allan took home rookie of the week honours.

Josh Kotai, MVP/Goaltender of the Week

Kotai picked up where he left off against Melfort in the semi-finals, with another incredible two-game performance that saw him stop 61 of 63 Flin Flon shots over the first two games of the championship series.

Kotai opened the series stopping 25/27 to backstop the team to a 5-2 win in game one, followed by a 36-save shutout performance in game two’s 3-0 win, that featured a number of highlight-reel stops, including what could be the save-sequence of the playoffs.

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“He was an absolute stud for us tonight,” Stars’ assistant coach, Garry Childerhose said post-game of game two. “He held strong for us and really deserved that shutout.”

“Those highlight-reel saves he was making, he was giving us a lot of life on the bench and it really helps not only making the saves, but also giving you some big momentum with those big stops. He was unreal for us tonight.”

Kotai leads all goaltenders this post-season with a 10-1 record, along with a shimmering 1.49 goals against average and .949 save percentage.

Jackson Allan, SJHL Rookie of the Week

Allan scored the opening goal that would also hold up as the eventual game-winner, in the Stars’ 3-0 game two victory on home ice.

Serving as his second goal of the playoffs, and second game-winner, Childerhose said it’s nice to see Allan rewarded offensively for all he brings to the team on a nightly basis.

“With Jacks, he’s just an unbelievably hard worker. He’s 5-7, 155 pounds, but he plays like he’s 6-2, 200 pounds,” Childerhose said. “He’s got a huge heart, he’s great on faceoffs, and his work ethic’s second to none.”

Always one to bring his best in the biggest games, of Allan’s nine goals in the regular season, six came against top four teams in the league (Flin Flon x3, Humboldt x2, and Melfort x1).

Kotai, Allan and their North Stars’ teammates will return to action this weekend in Flin Flon for games three and four Friday and Saturday night.

The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast will be available both nights on 1050 CJNB, though slightly earlier than usual. The Ultra Print Pregame Show at 6 p.m., with puck drop to follow at 6:30 p.m. Saskatchewan time.

The full Finals series schedule is available here.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1