North Stars make moves for first roster cut down

North Stars head coach Nate Bedford said because the team is filled with veterans, it was hard getting all the young guys into the lineup on a regular basis.

“We had four guys that weren’t getting into the lineup on weekends,” Bedford said. “They were practicing with us and working out with us, and then when it came to weekends, we couldn’t find ways to get them into the lineup. We’re an older team. So it’s tough.”

Velazquez oozes potential, but never really had a chance to get into the flow of things. He posted two goals and two assists in 17 games.

Bedford said he and Velazquez came to an agreement that staying in Junior A was the best thing for him.

“I think it was just one of those things where we felt, and he felt – we truly agreed – that it was best for him to go and play more games at the Junior A level,” Bedford said. “That’s what he wanted to do and we supported that 100 per cent.”

The North Stars will still be able to call up McIntosh and Nachtegaele if needed this season, but not Saworski, as he is playing out of province.

The next roster cut down day is Jan. 10, when teams must officially cut down to 23 registrations in total.

One major deal from yesterday sees a top SJHL player move out of province, as the Ice Wolves dealt Tristan Elder to the Cobourg Cougars of the OJHL (Junior A). The Cougars are currently 23-6-0-1 and are hosting this year’s RBC Cup. Elder had 13 goals in 24 games with La Ronge this season.

Other SJHL trades saw Flin Flon acquire Troy Williams from the MJHL in exchange for Joseph Leonidas, the Melfort Mustangs acquired Lucas Fraulin from the BCHL, and Kindersley traded Shea Kiryk to La Ronge.

Nathan Kanter is battlefordsNOW’s sports reporter and voice of the Battlefords North Stars. He can be reached at Nathan.Kanter@jpbg.ca or tweet him @NathanKanter11.

by Nathan Kanter

North Stars make moves for first roster cut down

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