The Battlefords North Stars are having their first preseason exhibition game tonight against the Bonnyville Pontiacs at the Civic Centre. ( photo/ Battlefords North Stars Facebook page)

By Kenneth Cheung

HOCKEY SEASON

Optimism high as North Stars prepare for new season

Sep 3, 2024 | 5:59 PM

The 2024-2025 hockey season is right around the corner, and confidence already appears very high in the Battlefords.

The North Stars are having their first preseason exhibition game tonight against the Bonnyville Pontiacs at the Civic Centre.

“Our expectation is to win, and we are getting better every day,” said Gary Childerhose, the team’s head coach and general manager.

Childerhose is the successor to Brayden Klimosko, who has moved on to coach his hometown team, the Broncos. Childerhose, a native of Battleford, first joined the North Stars as an associate coach in the 2021-2022 season.

As Klimosko coaches the Broncos, Childerhose is excited about the prospect of facing his former coworker on the ice, not only as a friend but also as an opponent.

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“We’ve been through quite a bit together. I think it’ll be a really competitive couple of games, and I’m sure we both will enjoy it a lot,” he said.

As only Jackson Allen and Jordan Grill from the team that won the 2023 Centennial Cup championship have stayed for this season, Childerhose anticipates that with a mix of young and experienced players, the team will have a great blend of skills and potential.

“Both guys (Allen and Grill) know what it takes to win. They’ve been through the process and the grind of a tough season and a long playoff run,” Childerhose said.

“Our camp was good and competitive. They had a great top 40 games, so it was a good showing, and now we get into the second season of the exhibition, so we’re looking forward to carrying forward.”.

The North Stars will kick off the regular season on Sept.20, playing against the Kindersley Klippers at the Civic Centre. Austin Mattes will be their new voice commentating the games.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com