L-R: North Stars' forwards Kian Bell and Riley Girod played a key part in leading the Battlefords to a 2-0-0-0 record last week. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

North Stars Shine

North Stars Bell, Girod headline SJHL Players of the Week

Nov 7, 2023 | 2:15 PM

For the second time in as many weeks, a pair of Battlefords North Stars headline the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Players of the Week for Oct. 30-Nov. 5.

Kian Bell has been named the SJHL MVP of the Week for a second consecutive week, while fellow North Stars’ forward Riley Girod has been dubbed the SJHL Saskatchewan Player of the Week.

Kian Bell – SJHL MVP of the Week

Bell is coming off back-to-back four-point games to lead the Battlefords to a pair of 9-2 and 8-5 victories over the Yorkton Terriers.

Thursday night Bell registered a game-high goal and three assists, followed up by a two-goal, two-assist encore to lead the North Stars to a two-game sweep of their back-to-back with Yorkton, and extend the club’s winning streak to four straight.

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“Obviously with Kian, him being back has been a huge boost to our club in every aspect,” North Stars’ assistant coach, Childerhose said. “We’ve really seen the results change since he’s been back, obviously on the ice, but also he brings that leadership aspect in the dressing room which has been big for us too.”

With 18 points (eight goals, 10 assists) through his first five games this season, Bell is rocketing up the league leaderboard at an astronomical rate, currently sitting just a point back of the top 10 in scoring despite most teams having played between 15 and 18 games.

Riley Girod – SJHL Saskatchewan Player of the Week

Girod is also coming off back-to-back multi-point games last week, which saw the 20-year-old forward post two goals and a helper Thursday night, before capping the week with a two-assist outing and 10 penalty minutes to boot, Friday.

Through 16 games, Girod now sits tied for sixth in North Stars’ scoring with 13 points (six goals, seven assists) while also pacing the team with 40 penalty minutes as a consistent physical presence.

“With Riley Girod it’s great to see him get Sask. Player of the Week,” Childerhose said. “He’s a guy who is kind of an unsung hero for us. He puts in the work every day and pays the price for us blocking shots [and] winning those one-on-one battles – he’s one of the best guys on the walls that you’re going to see in the SJHL – so it’s really nice to see him getting rewarded for all his hard work.”

Also recognized in the SJHL Players of the Week were Forward of the Week, Keenan Ingram (Kindersley Klippers); Defenceman of the Week, Felix Allard (Estevan Bruins); Rookie of the Week, Ben Costantino (Humboldt Broncos), and Goalie of the Week, Cam Hrdlicka (Estevan Bruins).

The North Stars will return to action this weekend for a back-to-back against the Weyburn Red Wings on home ice at the Access Communications Centre. Both games 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. on the NAPA Auto Parts North Stars Broadcast.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1