Not often the biggest goalie on the ice, Joey Hawco's calling card is his quick lateral movement and battle level. (Submitted photo/Joey Hawco)

By Martin Martinson

Between the Pipes

Hawco brings quick reflexes, high compete to North Stars crease

Jun 28, 2023 | 5:00 AM

The Battlefords North Stars have signed 17-year-old goaltender, Joey Hawco ahead of the 2023-24 hockey season.

Hawco, who is from Halifax, NS., played last season with the Steele Subaru U18 team of the Nova Scotia U18 Hockey League, where he posted a dominant 13-3-0 record, with a 2.98 goals against average and .915 save percentage in 18 games.

In the playoffs, Hawco then posted a 2.95 goals against and .916 save percentage in four games to help backstop the team to the semifinals of the league playoffs.

Listed officially at 5-foot-9 and about 144 pounds, Hawco described his own game as reminiscent of that of a certain Nashville Predators’ goaltender, who has also had no shortage of success despite being on the smaller end at the position, standing under six feet tall.

“If I was to compare myself to an NHL goalie people would know, I’d say [Nashville’s] Juuse Saros,” he said. “I’m a smaller frame, so I prioritize my speed and my agility to stop pucks and play as big as I can.”

From the Battlefords to Victoria, B.C. and back

Century-old artifacts return home to Poundmaker Cree Nation

12m ago

Junior Hockey

OLCN Scouts play underdogs to win inaugural USPHL Premier Alberta Division title

44m ago

That's not on the menu

Two charged after RCMP seize suspected methamphetamine hidden in pizza box

54m ago

Hawco said he’s looking forward to the opportunity ahead to join the North Stars, after keeping close tabs on the team last year with a fellow Nova Scotian making headlines for his accomplishments with the team.

“My dream is to play NCAA, so it was my goal to play out west this upcoming year, and I had heard of Battleford before because Kian Bell is from around here,” he said.

“I’m on the same U18 team he played on, so I’ve followed his path to where he is now and to see how much success he’s had, you know it’s a great program to go to, so I’m super excited.”

In addition to his league stats, Hawco also represented Team Atlantic at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships May 7-13 in Winnipeg, MB.

North Stars head scout, Wylie Riendeau said the team is happy to have Hawco come over, as a young goaltender with strong fundamentals and potential.

“Joey’s got a high compete and is obviously a pretty good goalie with some options to play potentially in the QMJHL, but decided to come out west,” Riendeau said. “He’s not the biggest goalie but he tracks the puck really well, he’s quick down low, and we’re really looking forward to having him come out and stop some pucks for us come the fall.”

—

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1