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Gavin Granger is the third graduating North Stars player to commit to post-secondary hockey. (Image Credit: Byron Hildebrand Photography/Facebook)
HEADING EAST

North Stars’ Granger commits to the University of Windsor hockey

May 5, 2026 | 1:21 PM

Battlefords North Stars graduating defenceman Gavin Granger is taking the next step in his career and has committed to the University of Windsor of USports and Ontario University Athletics (OUA) to join the Lancers. 

Granger spent all three years of his Jr. A career with the North Stars. This past season, he had 44 points (7G-37A) in 51 games and added five assists in 12 playoff games. 

The Lancers had a successful season last year, finishing second place in Ontario University Athletics (OUA), and finishing fourth in the country.  

“They’re a really good team. From what I hear, they have an unbelievable culture and they treat their guys really well,” said Granger. “That was really interesting to me.” 

North Stars head coach Connor Logan attended the University of Windsor from 2018-2021, so he was able to pass along some information about the school and his experience.

“He was very non-biased. It was my decision, and he knew that, and he wasn’t going to try and pressure me into going anywhere,” said Granger. “But he told me some stories and all the things that he loved about it. He definitely helped with making that decision.” 

Logan reflected that with his own experience at Windsor.

“I had a great time at Windsor. We went on a Nashville trip. We played three Division One teams. I did a lot of traveling. It was pretty incredible,” said Logan.  

“The pedigree of the hockey is through the roof, but the layer on top of that, different team bonding experiences and opportunities to go play Division One teams, when I transitioned back into coaching, I was really excited at the opportunity to send a player there.” 

When talking about Granger’s transition to university hockey, Logan noted his biggest upside is the fact that he is still growing as a player. 

“Best is in front of him,” he said. “Going to USports, getting the opportunity to be there for four years, I think it’s going to benefit him so much. The caliber of the hockey, his abilities, his work ethic, I think you’re going to watch him grow and continue to develop into an elite two-way defenceman.” 

As Granger moves on, he leaves a simple message to the North Stars organization and the community.  

“Thank you. The last three years have been unbelievable. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had,” he said. “Obviously it’s sad to see junior come to an end. You wish you could go back and do it all over again, but you got to move on. Battleford is always going to be like a second home to me, being with the same billets for three years, they become like a family to you, and it’s stuff like that you’re definitely going to miss.” 

Granger will be the seventh SJHL alumni on the Lancers next season. 

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com