Stars’ forward Rylan Nivon will suit up for Concordia University in the fall, after capping his junior career with a season to remember in the Battlefords, helping lead the team to a league-best 45-11-2 record. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

North Star shining

The next chapter: Stars’ Nivon commits to Concordia Thunder

Mar 26, 2020 | 3:00 PM

The perfect combination of finesse and intangibles, it didn’t take long for Rylan Nivon to endear himself as fan-favorite in the Battlefords.

Although he spent just one season in the community with the Battlefords North Stars, Nivon’s ability to elevate teammates with his playmaking acumen and unmatched drive was something apparent to even the most casual fan at the Civic Centre this season. It is that all-around package that will undoubtedly make him a favorite once again when he debuts for the Concordia Thunder in the fall of 2020.

A Flin Flon, Man., product originally, who moved to Saskatoon at an early age; Nivon announced his commitment to Concordia University Thursday, becoming the first North Stars’ 20-year-old to commit to a post-secondary hockey opportunity since the 2019-20 season was abruptly cancelled due to the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Nivon, a veteran of over 150 career ‘Junior A’ games split between the Battlefords and Melville of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), and Lloydminster of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), finished his junior career with a personal-best, 46 points in 44 games as a forward with the Stars this season.

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Nivon said the chance to join the Thunder this fall, came as a pretty easy decision, and an opportunity he is very much looking forward to.

“I have heard nothing but good things about Concordia, [both] the coaches and the team,” Nivon said. “I am very excited to be their newest member and I am also looking forward to continuing my education with a great university.”

Thunder head coach Joey Bouchard said in a statement he is also looking forward to adding the crafty two-way force to a Thunder team hoping to make some noise when hockey returns.

“We are excited to welcome a player of Nivon’s caliber to our hockey program,” Bouchard said. “[Nivon] has a high hockey IQ and great playmaking abilities. Rylan will add more depth to our team and I am confident that he will be an offensive asset to the Thunder.”

Concordia University finished sixth in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) last season.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1