Brad Blake has established himself as a recognizable face in the community over his three years in the Battlefords. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Star on the ice and off

Brad Blake named North Stars’ RBC-SJHL Community Ambassador

Dec 20, 2023 | 9:00 AM

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) has announced its RBC-SJHL Community Ambassador Team, highlighting one player from each of the league’s 12 organizations, making a difference for their club both on the ice and off.

Brad Blake has been named the North Stars’ Community Ambassador.

Now in his third season with the team, as an alternate captain, Blake called it “truly an honour,” to be selected as the North Stars’ representative.

“When I saw it, the first thing I did was tell my parents and we all had a big hug about it,” Blake told battlefordsNOW. “It’s truly a pleasure and an honour. The Battlefords welcomed me three years ago with open arms, so any chance I get to give back to them, I take it.”

L-R: Brad Blake and Tanner Gold were all smiles working the cash float and welcoming fans to the team’s 2023-24 Kick-off BBQ. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

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Perhaps best exemplifying the impact Blake has had during his time in the community was earlier this season when a young North Stars’ fan named Ethan suited up as the Stars’ #19 for Halloween.

“It’s been the time of my life here in the Battlefords and the people are so welcoming, so kind, and so friendly,” Blake said reflecting on the past three years.

“When my buddy Ethan dressed as me for Halloween that was probably the coolest thing that’s happened to me in terms of fans, but anywhere you go in town, people are talking to you about last night’s game. It’s truly a pleasure to be so appreciated and loved in the community of the Battlefords.”

Blake is currently in the midst of a standout season for the North Stars on the ice as well. The product of Gander, NL., has already set new career highs across the board in goals (12), assists (20) and points (32) through 32 games this season, eclipsing the 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) he registered last year in 51 games.

Head coach and general manager with the North Stars, Brayden Klimosko said Blake’s leadership on the ice and off has been evident since his arrival.

“He’s had an impact ever since he’s got here a couple of years ago,” Klimosko said. “He’s good in the community, he’s well-respected with the kids and the fans, and I think it was a pretty easy choice [to name him Stars’ Ambassador].”

Other RBC-SJHL Community Ambassadors across the league include: Jacob Cossette (La Ronge Ice Wolves), Jacob Visentini (Weyburn Red Wings), Keagon Little (Estevan Bruins), Leith Olafson (Melfort Mustangs), Jye Zawatsky (Yorkton Terriers), Joey Lies (Flin Flon Bombers), Tucker Buhay (Melville Millionaires), Chase Cooke (Humboldt Broncos), Maguire Ratzlaff (Nipawin Hawks), Kyler Smith (Kindersley Klippers), and Vincent Palmarin (Notre Dame Hounds).

Each of the 12 will be recognized at RBC Game Nights taking place between Jan. 6 and Mar. 6. Blake will be recognized before the game on Jan. 13, ahead of the North Stars’ first home game of the New Year, against the Notre Dame Hounds.

SJHL fans will be able to vote online for the RBC Community Ambassador of their choice to be honored as the recipient of the RBC Community Award at the end of the SJHL regular season. This additional honor is accompanied by a donation from RBC in the player’s name to a school in their local community.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

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