Playoff perfect Stars tackle best of the west
NORTH BATTLEFORD Oh, baby!
Those immortal words of NHL broadcast legend Bob Cole could easily be adopted as a rallying cry for Battlefords North Stars head coach Nate Bedford, who welcomed a newborn to his team less than two days before a scheduled departure for the Western Canada Cup in Penticton, B.C.
Bedford’s wife, Katy, gave birth to a baby boy, Harrison, on Tuesday night. As it turns out, it’s a couple of weeks ahead of the due date and just in time so coach Bedford could leave for the hockey championship.
The timing is perfect.
And, so far, the Stars have been perfect in the post-season, going undefeated through the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoffs to capture the Canalta Cup and only their second league championship title ever, and their first in 17 years.
“It couldn’t be better timing,” Bedford said Wednesday, still somehow apologizing for missing out on his hockey team’s final practice before they all hop on the bus Thursday.
“I was certainly worried about how it would work. I certainly wanted to be there for (my wife) and the birth of my kid. I wanted to be taking care of the team, as well.
“I’m pretty happy that this little guy (baby Harrison) decided to help me out.”
Just in case Nate wouldn’t be around, Bedford’s mother-in-law, Shirley, is there to lend a helping hand.
Katy Bedford had an appointment Tuesday for an ultrasound. They found out she was soon about to go into labour so they crossed the road to Battlefords Union Hospital. She gave birth later that night.
“Everything went pretty quickly and pretty seamlessly,” Bedford said Wednesday.
“Everything worked out well. A healthy boy, healthy mom. They’re both great.”
STARS AT DON ROSS
With the ice being taken out of the Stars’ home rink, the Civic Centre, the team has been forced to find new digs in preparation for the Western Canada Cup and Royal Bank Cup.
They’ve been practising at Don Ross Arena this week and will continue to do so until their season is done.
“It’s a colder rink, but it gives us a little bit of character to work with, so it’s good,” said Stars assistant coach Braeden Johnson, who ran Wednesday’s practice in Bedford’s absence.
WESTERN CANADA CUP
The SJHL champion North Stars will be joined by the host Penticton Vees, B.C. runner-up Chilliwack Chiefs, Alberta champion Brooks Bandits and Manitoba champion Portage Terriers.
“Our key is just focusing on our team,” said Johnson. “Now it’s time to represent the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. It’s definitely a proud moment for them, but we’re focused on winning it (WCC) and getting a berth into the RBC (Royal Bank Cup tournament).”
The Stars will face host Penticton Saturday night and they’ll play Portage Sunday afternoon to start the nine-day tournament.
“I think we have just as good a chance as anyone else or better,” said Stars captain Kendall Fransoo. “The key is us playing our game, the way we played all year.”
The Stars were 48-9-1-0 during the regular season and are 12-and0 so far in the playoffs.
“Just sticking to our game plan” is key, said Stars forward Keaton Holinaty.
“We know how good we are. If we keep on doing things the way we’ve been doing, if we keep that streak going, we’ll be OK.
“There will be good teams but we’re a good team, too. We can match. We’re all there for a reason.”