The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League has always been viewed as a developmental junior league to help players take the step from junior hockey to either college, university, the WHL or, in some cases, professional leagues.
One of the most successful professional careers by a former North Star would have to be the 581 East Coast Hockey League games played by Dmitri Tarabrin in nine seasons. Tarabrin had 24 goals, 38 assists and 107 penalty minutes in a season and a half with the Wheeling Nailers. During the 1998-99 season, his second season in Wheeling, Tarabrin was a key part of what then was described as a blockbuster trade in the ECHL, as Tarabrin was traded to the Johnstown Chiefs. He went on to play until 2008 in Johnstown recording 99 goals, 135 assists and 458 penalty minutes. He is the Chiefs franchise leader in games played and 10th all-time in ECHL games played.
In 1994, the Moscow, Russia product brought his talents to North America and began a three-year junior career in the Battlefords. Tarabrin scored 14 goals and 24 assists with 101 penalty minutes in his rookie season in the Battlefords.
Assistant coach of the North Stars at the time of Tarabrin's recruitment, Jeff Johnson, now a member of the Alberta legislative assembly, had only good things to say about Tarabrin. He explains in a letter how they were unsure how the European would fit in with teammates and fans of the North Stars. Tarabrin won everyone with his entertaining style of play and instantly met the high expectations on the ice helping the North Stars to the league final for the first time in 25 years.
In his second season, Tarabrin notched 33 goals and 44 assists and 77 penalty minutes. The next season, Tarabrin continue his development and improvement with the North Stars, as he recorded 39 goals, 48 assists and 93 penalty minutes. He also had 35 points in 40 playoff games.
Twice Tarabrin was named an SJHL all-star, twice the North Stars' MVP and twice voted the fan favourite.
Demo, as he was known to his teammates, was a player who made a lasting impact on all his teams and someone you wanted on your side instead of against you.
Dec. 10, Tarabrin was honoured at a game in Wheeling between the Nailers and Gwinnett Gladiators in a celebration titled Demo Night.
"Demo, the toughest Russian I have played with," said former teammate Brent Bilodeau in the program created for the ceremony in Wheeling.
"Very few players leave an impression on teammates and fans like the way you did. For nearly a decade you poured your heart and soul into this sport," said Jean Derochers, another teammate of Tarabrins.
Along with his teammates, his coaches had nothing but positive compliments about the 58?, 180-pound forward.
"It was a pleasure to coach Dmitri Tarabrin. No one worked harder, no one cared more and no one set a better example, especially for the many young Tampa Bay prospects that were on our team," said coach Frank Anzalone, Tarabrin's coach for two seasons in Johnstown and now coach of the Quad City Mallards of the CHL. "He remains my friend to this day, and I wish nothing but the best for him and his family in the future."
Although he is retired from playing, Tarabrin hasn't left the game of hockey. In 2008 he was instrumental in creating and developing an U18AA team, which he coached. The players said he has been a huge influence in their hockey careers because of his hockey knowledge and his passion for his players.
Tarabrin remains close to the place where he overcame many hardships and became a fan favourite with the Chiefs, as he and wife Deena and daughter Sasha live in Davidsville, PA.
Who would have known the young player staring on the Under 18 Russian National Team could have such a big impact in ECHL and in the Battlefords?
