‘When we come to the rink, it means business’: New season takes shape at North Stars training camp

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(Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

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'When we come to the rink, it means business': New season takes shape at North Stars training camp

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It provided a young team with evidence of what it could accomplish, but Logan does not want last season’s success to create a sense that anything will come automatically this time.

“I think the only thing inside our locker room that we’re taking from last year is just the experience,” Logan said.

The coach described last season as decent but said the North Stars have bigger aspirations. His focus now is on putting the previous campaign behind them and building again.

Assistant captain Owen Nelson sees value in remembering how it ended.

“I think that series versus Yorkton’s going to leave a bitter taste in a lot of guys’ mouths,” Nelson said. “Just use that as motivation coming into this year.”

(Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

(Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

Many of the returning players now understand the pace of playoff hockey and the narrow margins that can end a season. 

They are being joined at camp by players who already have junior experience, prospects arriving from AAA hockey and new draft picks getting their first extended look at the program. 

“At the end of the day, we think that every player that we brought in has the ability to come in and contribute,” Logan said. 

The evaluation began with three team practices Thursday before moving into games Friday and Saturday. Logan said he wanted the sessions played at a high tempo so younger players could experience the speed expected at the junior level.

He also wants those prospects practising alongside older North Stars, giving them an early understanding of the program and what will be required if they hope to play for it.

(Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

(Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

One of those players is Lukamus Lehman, a Battlefords product who grew up watching the North Stars. This week, he is no longer watching from the stands. He is working to earn a place on his hometown team.

Lehman said the opportunity is an honour. He expects camp to be competitive, with prospects trying to enjoy the experience while battling for positions.

His longer-term ambition is simple:

“Have a championship on the wall,” Lehman said. “That’s about it.”

For Nelson and the other returning players, camp also carries a responsibility beyond their own performance. They are expected to help establish the standard for those entering the dressing room.

“All of us older guys are just trying to bring in the new guys and the young guys and just welcome them into our culture,” Nelson said.

(Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

(Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/)

(Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

(Image Credit: Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW)

The assistant captain said he tries to lead through both his words and his play. He wants to be a vocal presence who encourages his teammates, but he also draws a clear line when it is time to work.

“When we come to the rink, it means business,” he said.

The camp schedule continues with three games Friday and another three Saturday. The Art Strueby Memorial Cup Game is scheduled for Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Young Guns rookie game against Kindersley follows Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Access Communications Centre.

Nelson said supporters can expect speed, physicality and, the team hopes, plenty of wins. Logan also wants the excitement and large crowds generated during last season’s playoffs to carry into the home opener.

“I think we’re one of the most exciting teams and most fun to watch in the league,” Nelson said. 

Asked for one word to describe the North Stars entering camp, Logan chose “motivated.”

The individual recognition he received last season has not changed what he wants from the next one.

“I’m not in this for personal accolades,” Logan said. 

“I would give that up any day of the week to win a championship with this group. Ultimately, the goal is to win a championship.”

—

Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com