Kian Bell posted an SJHL-best 94 points (37 goals, 57 assists) in just 41 games this season to finish first in league scoring despite missing 15 games. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

MVP Finalist

North Stars’ Bell joins rarefied air with CJHL nomination

May 7, 2024 | 4:24 PM

For the second time in as many years, Battlefords North Stars game-breaker, Kian Bell has been named as a nominee for Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Most Valuable Player.

Fresh off his second straight Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) MVP Award – becoming the first player in league history to win MVP twice – Bell now again joins elite company with his second nomination for CJHL MVP.

Bell becomes just the second player since the CJHL Awards began back in 2012-13, to be nominated for the MVP Award twice. He joins Brodie MacArthur of the Summerside Western Capitals in the Maritime Junior Hockey League, who received back-to-back nominations for the distinction in 2019 and 2020.

This, with five nominees annually (plus an extra sixth back in 2014) from across the CJHL’s nine (formerly 10) member leagues across Canada, from coast to coast.

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Upon learning that he was just the second-ever player to achieve the feat, Bell, as always, was quick to reply with utmost class and humility.

“There are so many great players in each and every league across the country and there’s thousands of players who have gone through these leagues and lots have turned out to be great hockey players, so to get the nomination twice is super special,” Bell said.

The dynamic winger, who’s wowed SJHL crowds countless times over the last two years, while establishing himself as a mainstay in the North Stars’ record books, also achieves his CJHL MVP nomination this year. That’s despite playing just 41 games, the fewest of any nominee in the award’s history.

Despite a late start to his SJHL season and a few games lost to injury, Bell well made up for lost time upon rejoining the North Stars, with an incredible 94 points (37 goals, 57 assists) in 41 games for a 2.29 points-per-game average.

At the time of his arrival, the North Stars were 6-5-1 on the season through their opening 12 games. Following Bell’s addition, the team immediately rattled off 10 wins over their next 11, on their way to a 30-10-4 record over their final 44 games.

Also nominated for CJHL MVP are forwards Luka Sukovic of the Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL), Lucas Signoretti of the Espanola Paper Kings (NOJHL), Trevor Hoskin of the Cobourg Cougars (OJHL), and Alex Blais of the Rangers de Montreal (LHJAAAQ).

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1