North Stars draftees excited to join the organization

A student and player at Notre Dame, Abrametz was in science class when he learned the news from his classmates and friends.

“It was awesome,” Abrametz said. “All of [my friends] were supporting me and all of them were really happy for me. It was the best feeling of my life.”

Abrametz is ready to work his way up to the SJHL and was especially happy to be taken by the North Stars.

“Battlefords obviously is a great place. They’re a winning franchise, so I was really excited to get drafted.”

The blueliner described himself as an “offensive defenceman.”

“A lighter frame, but not scared to hit and still can throw my body around well and be good in the D-zone.”

Abrametz will be back at Notre Dame next season with the U18 AAA team. He said the biggest thing he learned at Notre Dame is that “you can choose what you want to be in hockey.”

“When I came to Notre Dame, I was not confident, and Notre Dame changed me into a totally different player. Notre Dame upped my confidence. [I had an] amazing breakout year this year.”

As he works his way up, Abrametz discussed his excitement about making his way toward the North Stars organization.

“I heard the barn is pretty hype there, so I’m really excited to be a North Star.”

Cash Borowski – Goalie

The newest goaltender in the North Stars organization was taken in the third round of the draft.

“It means a lot,” Borowski said. “Obviously, [it’s] a big opportunity for me and I’m excited.”

As he continues his journey on the ice, Borowski will be playing with the Saskatoon Blazers U18 AAA team this season.

“Looking to get good development, raise my compete level and play against good players,” he said.

Borowski described himself as an “athletic and fast goalie with good mobility in the crease.”

His training focus is both on and off the ice.

“It’s just part of the journey getting there and focusing on the next few years of my career.”

Ryden Johnson – Forward

Johnson was the North Stars’ first-round selection in the 2010 portion of the draft.

“It’s been a dream come true,” he said. “I was very excited to be drafted by the North Stars, very honoured to be drafted by them.”

Players have different pregame routines that are unique to them and their game, and Johnson is no different.

“I like to tape my stick the same way each game. I tape it like a sock and always do a certain amount of times I go over it with my wax.”

Johnson played AA hockey in Humboldt over the past three seasons, learning how the pace of play increases year by year.

“Humboldt really helped me with that,” he said.

Next year, Johnson will join the Swift Current Legionnaires to play U18 AAA hockey as he continues to make his way up.

“I’m looking forward to moving there and developing my game and continuing to get better through that year.”

Johnson said getting drafted motivates him to keep working harder as he continues his hockey career.

“It kind of gives me a confidence boost to keep going, keep building towards that.”

Noah Delaurier – Forward

The North Stars’ fifth-round pick played at Prairie Hockey Academy last season and called it a huge honour to be drafted by the North Stars.

“It’s a great organization from what I’ve seen so far. So, I’m very excited.”

In his tenure, there’s no secret that building a positive culture is important to head coach and general manager Connor Logan, and that character is crucial. Delaurier appears to have learned the importance of that at Prairie Hockey Academy.

“Definitely to be resilient and never give up. Just have lots of heart,” he said.

On the ice, Delaurier described himself as a “grinder.”

“Getting in the corners, doing the greasy work. I like giving other guys opportunities with the puck.”

Delaurier will be heading back to Prairie Hockey Academy with its U17 Prep team as he works toward the SJHL level.

In part 2 of this article, battlefordsNOW will feature more North Stars drafts and local prospects.

Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

North Stars draftees excited to join the organization

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