Brad Blake, who served as an assistant captain with the North Stars this year, will continue his hockey career post-junior at the Royal Military College of Canada. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Next stop, Ontario

North Stars’ Blake commits to Royal Military College of Canada

Apr 30, 2024 | 3:00 PM

Battlefords North Stars forward, Brad Blake has announced his commitment to the Royal Military College of Canada Paladins for the next chapter in his hockey career, this fall.

For Blake, the commitment fulfills a longtime goal of his, to continue to pursue hockey at the post-secondary level, while furthering his education.

“It’s an extreme honour to keep playing, and to do so while expanding my academics; it’s a pleasure that me and my family are truly proud of, and I’m excited about the next step and what it holds,” Blake said.

“To play university hockey has always been a dream of mine, and a dream of my family’s, and something we’ve always worked towards ever since I was a little boy,” the forward continued. “When the opportunity presented itself to do the military as well and have a cheaper option of university, I couldn’t say no. It’s something I’m ready to explore and I’m excited for.”

Blake will study business administration in addition to his military reserves training. Located in Kingston, ON, the move will also mark a return out east for Blake, cutting his commute back home to Georges Point., NL, in half from what it’s been the last three years in Saskatchewan.

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In addition to his on-ice impact, Blake (right) was also recognized as the North Stars’ representative for SJHL Community Ambassador for the 2023-24 season, and received the Fan’s Choice Award at the team’s year-end awards banquet. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Head coach of the North Stars, Brayden Klimosko said in Blake, the Paladins hockey program is getting a player who is flexible to fit wherever needed in the lineup, and always willing to do whatever’s required for the success of the team.

“He’s played both wings, center, and hey – he even played some defence for us [when needed with injuries] – so his adaptability is going to be huge at that next level,” Klimosko said. “I’m excited for him to get a U Sports opportunity, he progressed nicely in all three years, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do at that level.”

Blake established new career highs across the board in goals, assists, and points, over each of his three seasons with the North Stars, culminating in a 56-point outing this season (20 goals, 36 assists) in 55 games to finish tied for third in team scoring in his 20-year-old season. He finishes his junior career with 103 points (38 goals, 65 assists) in 143 SJHL games, all played with the North Stars.

The Royal Military College Paladins compete in the East Division of the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) branch of U Sports.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @MartyMartyPxP1