The next generation of community hockey players are honing their craft at the North Stars Hockey School this week at the Civic Centre. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Summertime sports

North Stars Hockey School kicks off second week

Aug 24, 2020 | 4:46 PM

Week two of the North Stars Hockey School got underway Monday at the Civic Centre.

The first of a five-day camp featuring both on and off-ice skills training, drills and activities, early returns say the week looks to be off to a good start once again.

“So far so good; the weather’s been awesome, the kids have been great, and obviously having some of the [North Stars’ players] coming back to help has been great too,” head coach of the North Stars, Brayden Klimosko said. “It’s been lots of fun, and hopefully we have another good week here.”

Among those attending the camp this week for the first time, is youth hockey player, Finn S.

He said his favorite drill from the day was the relay races, with lots to still look forward to as the week progresses.

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“It was really good, and really fun, we did lots of skating and drills,” Finn said.

Another favorite of the day was an on-ice activity that saw the players work on their agility by jumping over tires. For 11-year-olds, Lochlan C. and Bram J., that was one that really stood out.

“When we were skating was great, or jumping the tires, for sure [was the highlight],” Lochlan said. “For me too,” Bram was quick to add.

Marketing Manager with the North Stars, Jennifer Whyte, said there is a number of kids returning this week, who also took part in the camp last week. She said just knowing they had a good enough time to want to return for a second-straight week is a testament to the work of Klimosko and the players, for making it a fun environment for all.

“Definitely the credit goes to Brayden and the boys for that,” Whyte said. “They really know how to make it fun for the kids, but also teach them different things, so they’re definitely responsible for helping to make it so much fun.”

This summer marks the first of the Stars’ Hockey School being split into two weeks. The adjustment was made out of necessity to keep the numbers down due to the ongoing capacity restrictions on indoor activities throughout the province.

However, with the camps running back-to-back weeks, Whyte said it’s worked out pretty slick and easy from an organizing standpoint.

“It’s been pretty easy getting things started this week, considering it was kind of the same drill as last week,” she said. “It looks like the kids are having a good time, and that’s always what you want to see.”

The North Stars Hockey School will wrap up Friday, Aug. 28.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1