Making Strides: Future looks bright for hockey squad

The Prairie Centre North Stars lost 3-1 last night to Mora-Hinckley to fall to 4-13-1 on the season.
Call it another episode of the young guns going through some growing pains. But despite their lopsided record this season, you can expect them to win more than they lose next year. They will return just about every player, most who are playing their first full season of varsity hockey.
Of their top four scorers, three are only sophomores and are averaging a point a game. Cody Bartkowicz has 14 goals in his first 17 games this year, and Nate Mettenburg and Tyler Schultz each have 19 points. Jason Christianson, a junior, is probably the most talented of the four, and still has a year of varsity hockey left.

Derek Holm and Robby Polipnick are the top two defenseman. Polipnick is big and strong while Holm is small, quick and tough.  With these two anchoring the blue line and four potential 40-point scorers coming back next year, the North Stars should turn the corner in 2010-2011. The reason is these kids LIVE hockey. They play year round and they have adopted a training program they are committed to. They work hard, and most importantly they work hard together. Commitment leads to confidence and confidence leads to consistency. Look for a very competitive North Stars team to hit the ice next winter.