REGINA - The Battlefords North Stars are heading to the Centennial Cup, but there’s just one problem: they need a place to practice.
The North Stars had “graciously” given up the Access Communications Centre ice to make room for the Kinsmen Indoor Rodeo, according to Parks and Recreation Director Cheryl DeNeire at Monday's council meeting.
That allowed the rodeo to take over the facility later in the week, and also allow the city to shut down the ice plant early and save money on costs to keep it running.
Instead, the plan is for the North Stars to practice at Don Ross Arena, and also get a number of practices in at a larger venue outside the community as they prepare for the tournament in Portage la Prairie.
By doing this, the club will be able to get in practice time on an ice surface similar to what they will play on in Manitoba at the Centennial Cup.
To cover costs associated with that, the North Stars approached the city for a grant of $3,000. That grant was approved at the meeting Monday with enthusiasm from members of council.
“It’s a cost neutral way to support the Battlefords North Stars as they head off to the next journey on the national stage,” said Councillor Kelli Hawtin. She also said this also helps the rodeo and their own staff in a big way. “I think it’s just all around a very good idea.”
Councillor Greg Lightfoot said the grant was going to a worthwhile cause.
“A team from North Battleford that is going to have national highlights as a representative of our community and from the province as being the league winners in such great style… I think it’s a great representation and it’s a great ability for us through our savings that we can actually help them out by making sure they are getting the best practice they can on an ice surface that will represent the same size that they are going to be playing on in the tournament.”
The Battlefords North Stars swept the Flin Flon Bombers to win the SJHL title last week, after a dominating regular season that frequently saw them in first place in the national CJHL rankings. This is the club’s fourth SJHL title and their second-ever trip to the national Centennial Cup.
