June 12, 2024
(article originally published at sasktoday.ca by Sherri Solomko)
THE BATTLEFORDS — The storied hockey history of the Battlefords North Stars and the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League will be celebrated in the Battlefords. Excitement and anticipation are mounting as the SJHL Hall of Fame weekend, taking place in the Battlefords June 21 and 22, will soon be here.
Kennedy Schmidt, marketing and office manager for the Battlefords North Stars, affirms that, ever since inductees were announced during the latter part of the 2024 season, excitement has been growing for the event.
“At present there are more than 250 registered for attending both the golf event and the gala ceremony. The maximum for golfers, with event taking place at Jackfish Golf Resort, is 140,” said Schmidt.
Organizers say people are eager to have a weekend dedicated to celebrating the past hockey accomplishments of the Battlefords North Stars in the SJHL.
“Due to prior personal commitments Kelly McCrimmon and Todd McLellan are not able to attend but will be sending a video speech,” added Schmidt.
The gala induction event will include a surprise jersey number being retired, but which one it will be won’t be officially announced until the Saturday evening portion so as to surprise everyone there.
Schmidt said, “It has been really cool for all involved while also deciding who was going to be inducted. To also see all those who have been a part of the North Stars 50-year history and to see their accomplishments as a player or coach and what they have also accomplished after Junior A.”
Over the past 50 years, Schmidt estimates almost 1,800 players have worn a North Stars jersey. Adding in coaches, billets, volunteers, avid fans and supporters means there were a lot of people to get the HOF information to.
“We will have lots of North Star alumni attending who, in the future, I’m sure will also be inducted into the SJHL Hall of Fame. There are still tickets available to attend the induction banquet at the Access Communications Centre as well as a little bit of room left to register a team for the golf tourney,” confirmed the North Stars marketing manager.
The Battlefords is proud to be the host community for such a prestigious event, welcoming home some of their notable stars.
You can read details on the inductees on the North Stars web and social media pages. SASKTODAY.ca has also included some of these stories.
Inductees for the 2024 event include: the North West Hockey Development organization, the George family, the Smith family, Wade Belak, Todd McLellan, Kelly McCimmon, the 2016-2017 North Stars team, Drew Bagnall, Travis Clayton, Tracey Cook, Blair Atcheynum and Blake Tatchell.
