By Martin Martinson

North Stars Golf Classic a success

Aug 19, 2018 | 8:32 AM

The Battlefords North Stars Golf Classic took place yesterday at Jackfish Lodge and Conference Centre, giving people of the Battlefords and surrounding area a chance to tee-off with both current and former players.

Among the returning players, was former North Stars captain Kendall Fransoo.

Fransoo, who is from North Battleford originally, spent five seasons with the club, and has become a bit of a mainstay at the Golf Classic; an event he says shows great support towards the team from the community.

“I think every year [since I joined the team] I’ve been out [to the Golf Classic],” Fransoo said. “Now as an alumnus coming out it’s something special. The guys go through the system, they see all the support the community gives, and I think that alone sends a message to the team that the whole community is backing them.”

Fransoo wasn’t the only returning player however, as the club’s former standout blue-liner golfed yesterday on a team made up with a number of past North Star players.

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“We had a few guys from previous seasons on our team. I think all the way back to 2012 or 2013; we all just got together and said we were going to enter as a team,” he said.

Fransoo went on to say that he thinks the number of alumni who show up each year is another nod to the appreciation the Battlefords North Stars players have for a community that embraces them whole-heartedly.

“That kind of emphasizes the support towards the organization,” he said. “Having guys who have played on the team so many years ago coming back and that are still a part of it even though they’re not playing on the ice, they’re still involved off the ice and in [attending] games.”

When asked for a brief summary of how his team faired on the golf course, Fransoo couldn’t help but let out an initial laugh,

“It started good, but once the beer cart lady came around it kind of went downhill. But you know, I think it couldn’t have been better organized; everyone – from the staff to everyone who came out and showed their support – the caterers and everything else, was just top notch. You can’t ask for more. This is as first-class as it gets for a golf tournament.”

Orest Chrunik, who has spent about 25 years affiliated with the North Stars in various ways, and remains an avid fan today won the 50-50 CCM money-stick at the banquet to close out the event, and said it was the perfect way to cap off a great day.

“I had more luck at the draw than I did at the golfing game.” Chrunik said. “It turned out really good. It was a beautiful afternoon with a great group of people to golf with.” 

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1