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Stars’ Sinclair named SJHL Player of the Week

Jan 16, 2019 | 4:00 PM

With just 18 games remaining in the Battlefords North Stars’ regular-season schedule, MacGregor Sinclair seems to only be getting better as the season enters the stretch run.

Coming off a back-to-back performance to remember over the weekend, Sinclair scored a goal and two assists Friday against Yorkton, followed by a hattrick performance with a helper to boot against Melville, earning four points on the night in total.

For an encore, the Irma, Alta., product continued his scorching play as of late, potting two more goals in two games as a member of Team Kunitz at the second-annual SJHL/MJHL Showcase held Monday and Tuesday in Regina at Co-operators Centre.

Sinclair’s efforts were noticed. He was named Canalta Hotels SJHL Player of the Week.

Sinclair, who has lead the North Stars in scoring since virtually day one of the season, has been a force for the team all year long. He amassed 46 points in 39 games this season to lead the Stars in scoring.

“He’s one of the best players in the league,” Stars’ assistant coach Rob Holoien said. “He handles the puck on a whole other level, he shoots it at a whole other level; he’s just fun to watch.”

Big point production is nothing new for Sinclair.

Since first joining the Stars back in 2016-17, the now-third-year center, developed into one of the premier offensive threats in the SJHL. Just one year removed from finishing third in goals (33) and fourth in points (74) last season in the league scoring race, Sinclair is coming off an elite offensive season. He played a pivotal role in leading the Battlefords to finish second in the league standings, before adding another seven goals and 15 points in nine post-season games, spearheading his team’s run to the semifinals of the playoffs.

Sitting within the top 10 in scoring again this season, Sinclair’s offensive production has been just as impressive, if not more important this season, considering seven of the top 10 scorers from the Stars’ team last season either graduated or moved on to other hockey opportunities this year.

Sinclair’s ability to continue to produce regardless of circumstance, or who his line mates may be, is a testament to the forward’s consistency. The Stars’ alternate captain was scoreless in back-to-back games just three times this season.

With six goals and 10 points in just six games since the Christmas break, Sinclair’s totals appear to have only continued to grow as his penchant for shooting the puck grows as well.

“He’s shooting the puck right now and he’s gaining some confidence [from that] which is nice to see,” Holoien said.

Fans can catch Sinclair and his North Stars’ teammates when the team returns to action Jan. 18 against the rival Kindersley Klippers in Kindersley.

 

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1