Scrimmage games will be taking place throughout the weekend at the Don Ross Arena, as Battlefords AAA Stars hopefuls compete for a spot on the 2023-24 roster. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

On the Ice

Battlefords AAA Stars hold Spring Camp this weekend

Apr 28, 2023 | 5:24 PM

It may be a warm spring day outside the rink, but hockey is still very much on the mind of young AAA hopefuls in North Battleford.

The Battlefords AAA Stars are holding their Spring Camp this weekend, from Friday to Sunday at the Don Ross Arena.

Camp kicked off Friday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. with fitness testing for all the players, prior to the start of scrimmages which will begin at 5:30 p.m., and continue throughout the weekend. Action will pick up Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

About 113 players total have been divided into six teams for this year’s spring camp, signaling a great turnout for the local AAA program.

“Over the last three years this is the most we’ve had at a Spring Camp, so it’s a big one for us,” head coach Dale Grayston said.

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Needing to have at least 15 committed players in place by June 1^st, the coach added that they will aim to have about 15-20 players named to the team over the next week.

As far as what the veteran bench boss is looking for, now looking ahead to his fourth year with the team in ’23-24, Grayston said speed and the ability to play and think a fast-paced game is at the forefront of what they’re looking for.

“The game has changed so much in the last number of years, and I think it’s really a speed game [now], so you’re looking for players who can move to where they need to be and get to places fairly quickly,” Grayston said.

All scrimmages this weekend will be open to the public.

For those families interested in checking out the high schools available in the community while in town, both North Battleford Comprehensive High School and John Paul II Collegiate will also have times available for school tours during the morning, Saturday.

NBCHS’ hours will be from 9:50-10:15 a.m., and 10:50-11:15 a.m.

JPII’s hours will be from 10:25-10:50 a.m., and 11:25-11:50 a.m.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1