The North Stars dealt goaltender, Parker Rey (pictured left) to Swan Valley Friday, before picking up Kristian Lyon (right) from Langley later in the afternoon to solidify their personnel between the pipes ahead of the SJHL trade deadline. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Goalie Swap

North Stars solidify goaltending for stretch drive with pair of moves

Jan 11, 2020 | 6:24 PM

The Battlefords North Stars may not have hit the ice this weekend, but it didn’t stop the team from making some headlines, ahead of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) trade deadline.

The Stars made a splash Friday, as the team traded rookie goaltender, Parker Rey to the Swan Valley Stampeders of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) in exchange for a player development fee.

Later in the afternoon, the team then added goalie, Kristian Lyon to the fold, restocking the organization’s goaltending cabinet. Lyon joins Adam Dmyterko and Austin Schwab as the newest iteration of the North Stars’ three-headed monster between the pipes.

A native of Langley, BC., Lyon was acquired from his hometown, Langley Rivermen of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) in exchange for a player development fee.

At 19 years of age, Lyon posted a 3.30 goals-against average and .886 save percentage through 13 games with the Rivermen this season.

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General manager and head coach of the North Stars, Brayden Klimosko said while the two moves from Friday seem tied for obvious reasons, the opportunity to acquire Lyon came about later in the day, after the Rey move had transpired.

The coach added while he is happy with the play of both Dmyterko and Schwab this season, it was nice to acquire a third goalie again for the stretch run this year.

“People might think it is awkward carrying three [goaltenders], but I think at the end of the day, you’re going to need three if you want to make a good run,” Klimosko said. “Goalies get tired and you need guys for practice. I [also] need three just in case someone goes down or something, [so] that I feel confident we have two that can go on any given night,” he added.

In Lyon, the Stars get a goaltender who lit up the Prairie Junior Hockey League (PJHL) last season. In 21 games with the Langley Trappers, Lyon posted a sterling 2.49 goals-against average and .937 save percentage – the latter of which ranked second in the league at the position.

Klimosko said Lyon’s ability to find success at virtually every level he has played, along with his enthusiasm to join the Battlefords, played a pivotal role in the move.

“You do your homework, you make some calls, and everything checks back that he is a great kid,” he said. “He can play, and everyone thinks he can be a Junior A calibre goaltender. You do your due diligence and sometimes someone just needs a new place to play and hopefully that is the case here.”

The move solidifies the Stars’ roster for the stretch run this season. With just 17 games remaining on the regular season, the Stars will return to action Jan. 14 against the Notre Dame Hounds in Wilcox. Tuesday’s game will be broadcast on 1050 CJNB. The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast will begin at 7:45 p.m. with puck drop at 8 p.m.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1