Local prospects and North Stars draftees talk SJHL draft

“It’s great, getting drafted by the North Stars,” he said.

“I’ve already been in the community for a while, just super excited. It’s going to be good, just knowing that I’ve already been here, know lots of people, know my way around there already. I like it a lot.”

On top of being excited to continue his hockey career in the Battlefords, it’s important for Alger-East to have the opportunity to represent Meadow Lake as he moves forward.

“Meadow Lake’s pretty small. Being able to represent them is a great thing. Our hockey here is usually pretty good. Around town there’s been quite a few people that have congratulated me and are excited for me.”

Alger-East described himself as a defenceman who likes to have the puck on his stick, likes to make plays and can control the pace of play from the back end.

The blueliner will continue to make himself familiar with the Access Communications Centre next season, playing his first full year with the Battlefords AAA Stars.

Ryder Fiddler – forward

Fiddler was the second North Star picked from the Meadow Lake area and was the only player representing Waterhen First Nation, something that he wears on his sleeve.

“I’m happy that they supported me through my minor hockey because I started in Meadow Lake. It just means a lot coming from there.”

Fiddler played hockey at the Indigenous Hockey Academy last season as a point-per-game player, where he said he built up his confidence and learned how to be a leader.

Next year, he will be playing with the Northern Alberta Xtreme Prep’s U17 squad where he will continue to develop his game.

“I’m going to be playing with better players, and I feel like it’ll be good,” he said.

When asked, Fiddler was simple about his play style.

“I would describe myself as a 200-foot player. I like to battle a lot, get in the corners and make good plays.”

Jax Hanson – Forward

Hanson was the first of two prospects taken from Balgonie. After he wasn’t selected in the U15 draft last year, Hanson used that as motivation to work towards getting picked this season.

“I had some motivation and just have a good year with Storm and I felt that I had a pretty good year there. I was hoping to get drafted this year and I’m glad I went to Battleford.”

Like Fiddler, Hanson labeled himself as someone who can make an impact on the entire ice surface.

“I’m a two way player and I like to be put out in any situation,” he said.

“Whether we’re up by one at the end of the game and we need a blocked shot, or six on five, and we need a goal. Power play, penalty kill, I just like to be put in those situations…200-foot player that’s kind of a pass first guy but will put it in the back of the net if I have the chance”

Hanson will be in south Saskatchewan next season, playing AAA hockey with the Estevan Bears where he will continue his journey.

“I’m just looking forward to taking the next step.”

Kacy Turberfield – Forward drafted by the La Ronge Ice Wolves

While Kacy Turberfield wasn’t selected to the North Stars, the Meadow Lake product who has played his last few seasons of hockey in the Battlefords still represents well, being drafted #1 overall among the 2011-born selections.

“It means a lot to me and this is a huge accomplishment,” Turberfield said.

“I’m going to push to go farther than SJ, but I think La Ronge is a good team to fall back to if something goes wrong. They’re a good organization overall and I’m pretty proud they selected me.”

Like others selected from Meadow Lake, Turberfield said he is honored to call Meadow Lake home.

“I’m proud to represent them. Meadow Lake is a small town for sure. I think moving forward, that’s just going to be my behind story. All the people here in Meadow Lake push me to be who I am today. It’s great. I really like it and everyone believes in me. Moving forward, it really helps.”

Turberfield was also drafted to the Portland Winterhawks in this year’s WHL draft. As he strives towards the SJHL and WHL level, Turberfield will be playing with the Battlefords AAA Stars next season, so fans in the Battlefords can see what the prospect has to offer.

You can read more about the Battlefords North Stars draftees here.

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

Local prospects and North Stars draftees talk SJHL draft

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