Goaltender Justen Maric started the year in Portland of the WHL but will be a welcome addition in his return to the North Stars this season. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Stars making moves

North Stars bolster lineup with return of Maric, addition of Burgeson

Oct 5, 2023 | 4:01 PM

The Battlefords North Stars recently announced a pair of moves to bolster their lineup, after starting the SJHL season 2-3-0 through their opening five games.

The first move saw the team acquire 20-year-old forward Hunter Burgeson from the Canmore Eagles of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) in exchange for a Player Development Fee.

He joins the Stars with nearly 50 games of prior junior experience under his belt, having scored 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 49 games split between La Ronge of the SJHL, and the Eagles and Bonnyville Pontiacs of the AJHL.

Just the sixth 20-year-old on a young North Stars’ roster and also among the team’s biggest players at 6-foot-4, head coach Brayden Klimosko said Burgeson brings some valuable veteran leadership and size to the team.

“He’s a big winger and we can use a little extra size up there, so looking forward to seeing what he brings. He’s used to our league and he knows what it’s all about so you know the adjustment will be a little less knowing he’s played in our league before.”

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The second saw move sees the return of a familiar face as second-year goaltender Justen Maric, who started the season with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League, makes his return to the Battlefords.

Maric re-joins the North Stars following a standout first season with the team last year which saw the product of Edmonton, AB. post a lights-out 16-1 record, with a 2.39 goals against average and a .934 save percentage.

Klimosko said in Maric they get another infusion of experience, and a calming presence in goal.

“A big part of our success last year was our goaltending, so you don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but obviously bringing him back he will be one of the better goalies right from the get-go in the league,” he added. “We’re looking forward to bringing him back and solidifying our goaltending position.”

Both Maric and Burgeson are expected to be in the lineup when the Stars return to action Friday in Nipawin for the first game of their home-and-home this weekend with the Hawks.

The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Broadcast will be available Friday from Nipawin on 1050 CJNB, with the Ultra Print Pregame Show at 6:30 p.m. and puck drop to follow at 7 p.m.

Saturday’s game in North Battleford will be moved to 93.3 Beach Radio, due to the Riders’ game on 1050 CJNB. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin at 7 p.m. with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. on the second night of the back-to-back.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1