Zane Florence was named an assistant captain with the North Stars this season, as a key part of the team's leadership group both on and off the ice. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Alberta Bound

North Stars Florence commits to NAIT Ooks of ACAC

Apr 19, 2023 | 8:49 AM

Battlefords North Stars defenceman, Zane Florence is Alberta-bound for the next chapter in his hockey career, having announced his commitment to the NAIT Ooks of the ACAC (Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference) for the fall of 2023.

A Battlefords local who grew up in the community, Florence said he’s looking forward to the opportunity ahead this fall, with a chance to fulfill a goal he’s been working towards of continuing his hockey career at the next level.

“It’s awesome to be able to continue playing hockey, and to get to go to school at the same time in the big city, in Edmonton, will pretty fun as well,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it.”

Florence said one day suiting up to play at the post-secondary level was always something in the back of his mind, pushed to the forefront this year, now in his final season of Junior. He said NAIT’s winning pedigree and location made it an easy choice.

“It’s pretty close to home and Edmonton’s a good city where I’ll be able to do a lot of stuff, and obviously a really good hockey program that’s been in the finals the last few years and won it, so it’s a strong program and a good city,” he said. “When NAIT reached out I was honoured and accepted right away.”

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Florence is coming off a standout 20-year-old season that saw him finish second amongst North Stars defencemen in scoring, and just outside the top-10 of all blue liners, with 31 points (7G, 24A) in 50 games, while also finishing tied for first at the position with 225 penalty minutes, providing a physical edge to set the tone for his team.

In addition to his impact on the ice, Florence was also a mainstay out and about in the community, at team functions and community events with teammates.

For his efforts, Florence was recognized as the North Stars’ Community Ambassador in 2022, and was also voted as “Best Battlefords North Star” at the 2023 B.O.B. Awards in the community.

Head coach of the North Stars, Brayden Klilmosko said in Florence, the Ooks get a player and person dedicated to be the best he can be in all aspects, as exemplified by his dedication in the gym.

“He’s just gotten into such amazing shape,” the coach said of Florence. “He’s done some MMA on the side, and he started I think 215 pounds, and ended off at about 185, so he just turned into a beast and really a guy you can rely on in all situations. He’s an animal and he’s not afraid to block a shot or compete.”

Florence joins a NAIT program that has made the ACAC Finals 10 straight years, winning four championships since 2013.

Florence and his North Stars’ teammates currently lead the Flin Flon Bombers 2-0 in the teams’ best-of-seven SJHL Finals series. The teams will return to play this weekend for games three and four Friday and Saturday night in Flin Flon.

Both games will be available on the NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast on 1050 CJNB. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin both nights at 6 p.m., with puck drop to follow at 6:30 p.m.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1