North Stars set for first pre-season game

This is his system. This is how he wants to play.

“I’ve always thought that the more physical you are, I think the more you get into games [and] the more your team gets into games,” Bedford said following practice. “We’re a lot tougher than people give us credit for. I think it just makes sense.”

Keeping pucks out of the middle is a no-brainer, but Bedford said it specifically helps neutralize odd-man rushes, where a lot of offence is produced in today’s game.

Following the final practice of the week, there was a players meeting to make sure everyone was on the same page ahead of tomorrow’s preseason game against the Bonnyville Pontiacs.

“I included what our expectations are in the future,” Bedford said. “Our expectation is to win hockey games but to do it professionally and do it the right way.”

At one point during the meeting, a loud applause erupted from the dressing room.

“I think when I walked out they clapped probably because they’re sick of hearing my voice,” Bedford joked.

Spirits in training camp are high, as players are becoming more comfortable with things after six straight days of fitness testing, practices and scrimmages.

Plus, the pre-season is finally on the horizon, which means the regular season is just around the corner.

“I can’t wait for the home opener, that’s for sure,” Layne Young, the reigning Rookie of the Year, said after practice.

Tomorrow the team travels to Bonnyville, Alta., to face off against the Bonnyville Pontiacs, in the first of six pre-season games over a span of eight days.

Luckily, not everyone has to play in every game, as the team is still carrying 31 bodies and can therefore mix and match every night.

“We’re certainly going to go with a younger lineup tomorrow. That’s just the way it’s going to be,” Bedford said.

On defence, Kendall Fransoo and Cody Spagrud will dress but Connor Sych will not. Up front, Bryce Hall and Troy Gerein will provide the veteran presence but weapons Young and Connor Logan will not.

In goal, however; they will go with veteran goaltender Ryan Rewerts, who has over 50 games of SJHL experience under his belt.

Those not on the roster won’t travel with the team and instead will have a day off.

Young said the guys who are staying home are already planning on getting together.

“I think we’re going to golfing,” Young said. “There’s a bunch – I think there’s 10 of us.”

For tomorrow’s road game, Bedford expects a strong effort, but the team isn’t doing any sort of video preparation or pre-scouting. Instead, they are just looking to go out and compete.

“We’re not going to get too technical,” he said. “Guys are overloaded with camp and overloaded with learning new systems and learning a new coach and learning each other. You’ve got to let these guys have fun, too.”

Nathan Kanter is battlefordsNOW’s sports reporter and voice of the Battlefords North Stars. He can be reached at Nathan.kanter@jpbg.ca or tweet him @NathanKanter11

by Nathan Kanter

North Stars set for first pre-season game

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