North Stars select at variety of positions in the 2026 SJHL draft

The 5-foot-10 defenceman has spent the last couple of seasons with the U15 AA North West Stars. In 56 games, Alger-East had 42 points (16G-26A), including a 30-point season in the 2025-26 campaign. He also appeared in one game with the AAA Stars last season.

“I think he’s a pretty good offensive defenceman,” said North Stars head scout and assistant GM Wylie Riendeau.

“He’s a strong skater, he’s very mobile. He has a head up and makes a good first pass. Being a somewhat local kid and playing lots of his minor hockey in town, thought it was a good chance to get a guy like that.”

Ryden Johnson, right-shot forward: 2010-born, 1.10 (10th overall) — Wadena

The North Stars selected Johnson with their first-round pick, 10th overall. Johnson spent the last three seasons with the Humboldt Broncos AA teams, playing U15 from 2023 to 2025, then U18 in the 2025-26 season.

In his one year with the U18 Broncos AA team, Johnson had 39 points (17G-22A) in 30 games. Like Alger-East, Johnson also appeared in one AAA game this year as a member of the Tisdale Trojans.

“Highly skilled. Great playmaker, but can also score,” said Riendeau. “Really like the way he can distribute the puck and play a high-octane offensive game, so pretty happy to get him.”

Jax Hanson, right-shot forward: 2010-born, 2.5 (17th overall) — Balgonie (pick acquired from Estevan Bruins)

Going into the draft without a second-round pick, the North Stars acquired the 17th overall selection from the Estevan Bruins in a pick swap and used it to draft forward Jax Hanson.

Originally from Balgonie, Hanson played for the Prairie Storm U18 AA team this past season, putting up 57 points (15G-42A) in 34 games in the 2025-26 season. Hanson was the first of two players selected from Balgonie in this draft.

“We had Jax really high on our list,” said Riendeau. “Very offensively skilled player, strong skater. He’s grown a lot in the last couple years, he comes from a good program. I think he’s more of a pass first type guy. He sees the ice really well, a high IQ player. Definitely a guy that I think will fit in.”

Cash Borowski, left-catching goalie: 2010-born, 3.10 (34th overall) — Saskatoon

Borowski was the only goalie taken by the North Stars in the 2026 SJHL draft. In the 2025-26 campaign, Borowski spent the season with the U18 AA Saskatoon River Kings.

The 5-foot-11 goaltender was exceptional with the River Kings, posting a .938 save percentage and 1.98 goals-against average while earning five shutouts and a 17-1 record through the regular season.

His numbers only improved in the playoffs. In five post-season games, Borowski had a .959 save percentage, a 1.62 goals-against average, one shutout and a 5-0 record, leading the River Kings to the SAAHL championship.

“Kash had a great season last year with the River Kings,” said Riendeau. “Onto the Blazers this year in a good program, so pretty excited for him and for us to get him in the third round was pretty awesome for sure. Big goalie, very athletic, led the River Kings for the majority of the year and won a championship, so it’s good to have kids to know how to win.”

Paul Abrametz, left-shot defenceman: 2010-born, 4.9 (45th overall) — Saskatoon

Abrametz spent this past season with the U17 AAA Notre Dame Hounds in the CSSHL. In 36 games, the 5-foot-10 blue-liner had 29 points (9G-20A) with the Hounds.

The North Stars used the pick they acquired from the Nipawin Hawks during the season to draft Abrametz.

“Similar to Alger-East,” said Riendeau. “He’s a mobile defenceman, a good first pass. Has some good offensive upside. Next year, Notre Dame U18 AAA, should get some good experience there and log a lot of minutes. He developed a lot last year and hoping he could keep developing. I think he could be a good two-way defenceman.”

Noah Delaurier, right-shot forward: 2010-born, 5.10 (58th overall) — Moose Jaw

Like Abrametz, Delaurier was in the CSSHL last season, but with Prairie Hockey Academy. The Moose Jaw product had 41 points (16G-25A) in 36 games with the academy.

“He came to our camp there in Martensville, and he showed really well,” Riendeau said. “He’s got pretty good size and he’s a great straight-line player. He’s physical, goes to the hard areas and can chip in offensively as well. I think he’s going to be a gritty forward that’s going to be hard to play against in a couple of years.”

Ryder Fiddler, right-shot forward: 2010-born, 6.10 (70th overall) — Waterhen First Nation

Representing Waterhen First Nation, Fiddler was the North Stars’ final pick in the 2026 draft.

He also spent last year in the CSSHL with the Indigenous Sports Academy in Saskatoon.

Fiddler was a point-per-game player with the Indigenous Sports Academy, scoring 30 points (12G-18A) in 30 games. He was the only player representing Waterhen First Nation taken in this year’s draft.

“He’s a smart young player,” Riendeau said. “He’s got good hands, good IQ. We’re just hoping he grows a little bit more and puts on some weight, we’ll see where it goes from there. But there’s a lot of skill and tools there to be used in the future. I think one that we’re going to be excited about down the road.”

As the draft concludes, the next generation of SJHL talent have found their homes and look to continue developing their game as they continue their journey to the next level.

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

North Stars select at variety of positions in the 2026 SJHL draft

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