The 2016-2017 campaign for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) is nearly completed as the final series of the playoffs is set to begin in the near future.

One semifinals series is still in action as the Nipawin Hawks hold a 3-1 series lead over the Flin Flon Bombers. But, the other series has already finished with one team waiting in the finals.

It has been a season to remember for the Battlefords North Stars, who finished with the best record during the regular season and have swept their way through the playoffs so far. Both the Weyburn Red Wings and, most recently, the Estevan Bruins have fallen to the North Stars as their dominance has transitioned into the playoffs.

Since their semifinal victory, the players have been practicing hard this week as they await for their final opponent of the playoffs in the Canalta Cup Finals. One of the players to keep an eye on in this final series is a player from the west central Saskatchewan region.

Wilkie native Troy Gerein has been having himself a successful season for the North Stars. During the regular season, the forward posted 21 points in 53 games played for the Battlefords, finishing with the 13th highest point total on the team. The playoffs have been even sweeter for him as he has collected 8 points in 8 games, good for the 6th highest total on the North Stars and tied for 13th amongst other players in the postseason.

Gerein sheds light on his roots of playing hockey in Wilkie, and how it helped form the player he is today:

The energetic forward has used a nice balance of playing physically while contributing on both ends of the ice throughout the season. As a 19-year-old who has yet to win the championship in the SJHL, him and his teammates realize this could be the year they take it all.

The North Stars will look to cap off their memorable season with a league title which is set to get underway following the end of the Hawks versus Bombers series.

 

Twitter: @MoisesCanalesJr

Follow Country 104 (CKVX) and Classic Hits Radio (CFYM/CJYM) on Facebook.

Follow Country 104 (CKVX) and Classic Hits Radio (CJYM) on Twitter.