Tynan Ewart (#2) and Kian Bell (#27) have been on fire over the last month, ramping up their already premier play to another level down the stretch of the SJHL regular season. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Standout Stars

North Stars Bell, Ewart headline SJHL Players of Month

Mar 3, 2023 | 9:45 AM

Just days after being recognized in the SJHL Players of the Week, Battlefords North Stars Kian Bell and Tynan Ewart have also been highlighted for their outstanding play over the month of February, named to the league’s Players of the Month.

Bell was named SGEU MVP of the Month, and Ewart SuperU Defenceman of the Month.

SGEU MVP of the Month – Kian Bell

It was a month to remember for Bell, headlined by his first career five-goal game, and his 50^th of the season, to join exclusive company in the franchise and league history books.

Already a four-time MVP of the Week, this marks the Fall River NS., product’s second MVP of the Month, after chalking up a staggering 13 goals and 22 points in just eight games through February.

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Bell scored at least one goal and multiple points in seven of the Stars’ eight games during the month, to extend his league-leading goal total to 51 in 46 games. He now also leads all players in overall points, with 91 on the season.

Head coach of the North Stars Brayden Klimosko said Bell and Ewart have been key cogs to the team’s success all season, while playing their best hockey of late, down the stretch.

“They had a great month obviously, and have been key contributors to why we had such a successful month,” Klimosko said.

“Obviously what Kian did, scoring his 50^th, is just icing on the cake for finishing off a great month for him, and Tynan is the best defenceman in the league for a reason and he showed that again last month getting a couple ‘Players of the Week.’ There’s a reason we’ve been so successful and they’ve been a big part of it.”

SuperU Defenceman of the Month – Tynan Ewart

Ewart, fresh off collecting his third Defenceman of the Week title last week, scored a goal and 11 points in eight games over the month of February as a whole, on his way to claiming his second Defenceman of the Month distinction.

Currently pacing all blue liners in the SJHL, and sitting just outside the top 10 league-wide in scoring with 51 points in 50 games this season, Ewart also leads all at the position with a 1.02 points per game average (minimum 30 games).

However, what really makes the Duncan, B.C., product stand out even more, is his elite defensive play in addition to the game-breaking offensive contributions.

On the defensive side of things, Ewart has not been on the ice for a single goal against over the last three games.

Over the last month, he was on the ice for just three even-strength goals against, and six of the team’s 22 allowed total over their eight games.

For the full list of SJHL Players of the Month for February, click here.

Ewart, Bell and their North Stars teammates will return to action this weekend for a home-and-home with the division-rival Broncos, Friday and Saturday night.

Friday’s game in North Battleford and Saturday’s in Humboldt, will both be available on 1050 CJNB. The Ultra Print Pregame Show will begin at 7 p.m. both nights, with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. on the NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Hockey Broadcast.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1