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The Battlefords North Stars sit just a single point back of third overall, with a 31-15-6 record this year, and have played some of their best hockey of late, with the playoffs just around the corner. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)
Return to Normal

North Stars see masking/vaccine requirements lifted

Mar 3, 2022 | 12:35 PM

When the Battlefords North Stars return to action this weekend for a home-and-home with the Kindersley Klippers, there will be a new look in the stands as masks will no longer be required at the games.

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) recently announced the removal of all COVID-19 league mandates, including mandatory masking and COVID-19 vaccine checks at team arenas.

The announcement comes following the City of North Battleford’s lifting of masking and proof of vaccination mandates for city venues.

Head coach of the North Stars, Brayden Klimosko said the team is very much looking forward to seeing things return to normal once again, and are hopeful for a strong boost in attendance down the stretch and into the post-season.

“It’s really exciting, I think overall we’re looking forward to seeing some more people in the rink here during March for the last couple games of the regular season and then the playoffs,” Klimosko said. “Hopefully we’ll see some people out that haven’t had a chance to come out yet this season.”

The North Stars have six games remaining on the regular season schedule prior to the playoffs, including three on home ice.

The Stars will open their weekend home-and-home with the Klippers in Kindersley on Friday, with Saturday’s game back home at the Access Communications Centre in North Battleford.

The NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast will be available on 1050 CJNB, with the Ultra Print Pregame Show at 7 p.m., and puck drop to follow at 7:30 p.m.

For the full North Stars regular season schedule, click here.

Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1