The North Stars held their 2024-25 awards banquet on Thursday at the Access Communications Centre. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

By Austin Mattes

2024-2025 team awards

North Stars celebrate season with year-end banquet

Apr 4, 2025 | 3:22 PM

The Battlefords North Stars celebrated and wrapped up their season on Thursday night at the Access Communication Centre, bringing the players, billets, staff and families together for their annual awards banquet.

Top Scorer and Playoff MVP

Nikita Ivashchenko was the most decorated, walking away with the Top Scorer and Playoff MVP award.

Ivashchenko had 28 goals and 30 assists throughout the entire season, including five goals and three assists in the playoffs, granting him both honours.

Nikita Ivashchenko receiving the Top Scorer Award. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

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Regular Season MVP

Three-year North Stars veteran and goaltender, Justen Maric was awarded the Regular Season MVP for his outstanding play during the regular season.

After returning to the team in October, he was the backbone of the squad and helped keep the North Stars in many tough games, boasting a 3.17 goals against average and .912 save percentage in 39 games.

Justen Maric receiving the Regular Season MVP Award. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

Top Forward

Phillipsburg, Quebec product, Anthony Campbell was awarded the Top Forward for leading the team in goals with 29 during the regular season and playing in all 62 games for the team.

Anthony Campbell receiving the Top Forward Award. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

Jeff Gold Memorial Defenseman of the Year

Assistant captain and Battlefords local, Jordan Grill was awarded the Defenseman of the Year.

This was Grill’s fourth year on the team and in his final season, put up nine goals and 24 assists for 33 points as well two goals and four assists in six games during the playoffs.

Jordan Grill receiving the Defenseman of the Year Award. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

Valley Ford Rookie of the Year

2007 born defenseman, Linken Fisher was awarded the Rookie of the Year for his great play and contributions to the back end in his initial campaign, notching four goals and 12 assists in 41 games.

Linken Fisher receiving the Rookie of the Year Award. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

Most Improved Player

Forward, Bryce Boughen was awarded the Most Improved Player, showing impressive progression and development throughout the season as well as tallying three goals and 10 assists in 36 games.

Bryce Boughen receiving the Most Improved Player Award. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

Most Dedicated Player

Goaltender, Thomas Samborski was awarded the Most Dedicated Player for displaying relentless work ethic and commitment during the season.

Thomas Samborksi receiving the Most Dedicated Player Award. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

Humanitarian Award

Lucas Shoenborn was the recipient of the Humanitarian Award due to his tremendous efforts and dedication to giving back to the community. He is also a finalist for the SJHL RBC Ambassador Award.

Lucas Schoenborn receiving the Humanitarian Award. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

Gold Eagle Lodge Fan Choice Award

Colton Getzlaff was honoured with the Fan Choice Award as fans enjoyed watching his exciting, fast and physical style of play all season. He finished the season with 20 goals and 16 assists and also had five goals in one game against the Humboldt Broncos.

Colton Getzlaff receiving the Fan Choice Award. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

Coaches Award

Josh Knittig received the Coaches Award, tallying 12 goals and 28 assists through 52 games in addition to being a key piece to the team’s success in the later part of the season.

Josh Knittig receiving the Coaches Award. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

NWHDA Scholarship

Captain Jack Allan was the recipient of the North West Hockey Development Association (NWHDA) Scholarship of $3,000 to help him pursue his goals in post-secondary education.

Jackson Allan receiving the NWHDA Scholarship Award. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

Volunteer of the Year

Brock & Jade Youst were awarded the Volunteer of the Year for their continuous commitment and devotion to the organization through their roles as volunteers and billets.

Brock and Jade Youst being recognized as the Volunteer of the Year. (Battlefords North Stars/Facebook)

Coaches Remarks

The night ended with head coach Martin Smith and assistant coach Owen Lamb giving their closing remarks about the season, the players and all the support they received. Smith said that he was grateful to be given the opportunity and is very proud of what they accomplished.

“I’m really proud of this team and I just want to thank the fans for all their support, the North Stars organization and the board for having the faith in me and for giving me the opportunity to come full circle and coach here, after a playing career here. I can’t say enough about how close knit this team was and I’m going to miss coming to the rink everyday,” he said.

The team also did the jerseys presentation for the retiring 20-year-olds, commemorating their final season of junior hockey: Jordan Grill, Jackson Allan, Justen Maric, Elijah Anderson, Michael Carter, Seth Dragan and James Kearney.

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Austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes