Former North Star Konowalchuk signs with Colorado NAHL team

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“Your 20-year-old season is one of your most important seasons for moving on to college hockey. You want somewhere that is ultimately going to a spot where you can get an opportunity to show yourself in every situation in that last season as well,” he said. 

"It's a complete disaster."

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“A great opportunity came about in Colorado. This is probably going to be a very good chance for me to prove myself. Especially being in the States as well, it kind of opens doors for those NCAA division three, and if I have a good enough season, potential division one opportunity. So, tons of exposure for those purposes.” 

While he is moving on to his next opportunity, Konowalchuk said he still cherishes his experience in the Battlefords. 

“I loved all the boys in Battlefords. I loved being in the Battlefords. It was a great experience for me. Kind of my first one far away from home, and I loved every moment of it,” he said. 

Konowalchuk talked about the close group the team had, how it helped the experience and how it translates away from the arena. 

“I know that was one of probably the tightest groups that I’ve had in hockey thus far. That really helped with everything. Living two provinces over from my home province, but also just everything,” he said. 

“I think that transitions over into life, not just sports. If you have a couple friends that you can rely on… that just you can talk to whenever, you can depend on for being there at your lowest, and being there at your highest.” 

As he moves on to a new chapter, Konowalchuk spoke about how his first experience away from home in the Battlefords helped him gain more independence. 

“Obviously I wasn’t home all the time. I was at the rink and I kind of was able to make my own schedule after practice and stuff like that. So, it nice to balance life, because I had a course I was working on, I had to work out as well,” said Konowalchuk. 

“So, taking time to do that and making sure that you got all that in your day and on top of that, being able to rest and recover properly is just a good way of time management.” 

Konowalchuk also expressed his gratitude for the community and those who welcomed him. 

“Thank you so much to my billet family, the McTaggarts. They were the best. Carmen, Hannah, Matthew, and Mary. I’m going to remember you guys forever and thank you for allowing me into your home, and making me feel as always my second home.” 

Konowalchuk will make a new home in Grand Junction next hockey season and leaves Saskatchewan with one final message. 

“Thank you, Battlefords. For everything.” 

— 

Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com