The ice is officially out of the Civic Centre for the season and the last skate on it went well according to Battlefords North Stars coach and general manager Ken Pearson.
The North Stars hosted their spring camp, which included 62 North Star rookie hopefuls.
The players all had two practices, two five-on-five games and two four-on-four games.
"Sunday some of the kids were tired, but played well and showed off their skill," said Pearson.
The camp included those players on the North Stars protected list as well as some free agents. Pearson noted there are some 17-year-olds who will be playing for roster spots in the fall.
No players can officially be signed at this time until all junior hockey is over, but Pearson said they had some verbal agreements and for now they will just be keeping track of some of those kids and toughing bases with the others who were still playing with their teams during the weekend camp and unable to attend.
The North Stars graduated one goalie, in Kyle Birch, two defenceman, Cody Folstad and Cris Neurauter and forwards Mitch Galbraith, Cole Gibson, Keith Grondin, Tony Oak and Colin Phaneuf meaning there are roster spots up for grabs come training camp in the fall.
Although many of the North Stars' spring camp skaters aren't SJHL ready the future looks bright according to Pearson. The coach said he has had a good talk with Midget Stars coach Lorne Neilsen, who was hired earlier in the month and feels they are both on the same page. Pearson said if it works out they have a prospect that could play AAA midget the Stars will try to accommodate that and give the player a chance to play in the Battlefords. Pearson said it also works vice-versa, if they have an unlisted prospect the North Stars could give the player a chance to compete for a junior roster spot.
"Although we are two different organizations, we will be able to work together to make the Battlefords an attractive place to play," said Pearson.
With Pearson away from the Battlefords for a few days he hopes to be able to keep an eye and ear on other hockey going on around the county including the La Ronge Ice Wolves, who fell behind 2-0 in their ANAVET CUP series with the Portage Terriers.
Pearson had an opportunity to watch the final game of the Credit Union Cup final and said La Ronge has great forwards, strong defence and a hot goalie in local Adam Bartko so clawing back into the series is nothing the Ice Wolves can't overcome.
