Stars’ defenceman, Ryan Granville helping out at the North Stars’ Hockey School Monday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Stick and puck studies

Class is in session at North Stars Hockey School

Aug 19, 2019 | 5:02 PM

Power skating, puck skills, dryland training, and even road hockey are just a few items on the agenda at the Battlefords North Stars Annual Hockey School.

The Hockey School began Monday at the Civic Centre, and will run this week until Friday. It features youth of the novice, atom, peewee, and bantam/midget age groups.

Away they go: Pictured here, players explode forward from the icing line in a drill to help develop a powerful stride. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Stars’ forward Dylan Esau is one of several players volunteering at the event this year.

The youngest of 12 rookies from last season’s Canalta Cup winning roster, Esau said he was happy to be able to help out with the event this year, ahead of his second season with the club.

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“It is always nice to give back to the community a bit,” he said. “Lots of these kids come out and watch our games, so it is nice to interact with them and just to hang out with them for a bit.”

Esau, one of the fastest skaters on the team, said of all the skills the young players can develop, it comes down to the sport’s most fundamental level.

“The skating I think is a big part,” he said. “Getting [the youth] on the ice early and getting the reps in is huge. Learning from the players and learning from our coaches too, I think it is really good for their development.”

While it may be some players’ first year at the event, for at least one young hockey player, the hockey school has become a summer tradition.

Battlefords’ product, Kelly Leibel is in her fourth year attending the Stars’ hockey school.

A North Stars’ fan who can always be found at the Civic Centre cheering on the home team throughout the season, Leibel said being able to spend time with the Stars’ players is a highlight all its own.

“I like hanging out with them and skating around with them,” she said. “It is pretty awesome getting to know them more.”

North Stars Seth Summers (back left) and Elijah Loon-Stewardson (front right) pose with a group from the North Stars Hockey School after playing some sports outdoors Monday morning. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Nearly 80 youth are taking part in the Hockey School this week.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1