All-Star Weekend Highlights
The 2025 NJHL All-Star Game, hosted by the Crowsnest Crush, was an unforgettable event held in the heart of Crowsnest Pass. With the barn packed to the rafters, two teams—Team Blue and Team White—battled it out in a thrilling showcase of the league's top talent. The energy in the arena was electric as fans cheered on their favorite players in what proved to be a memorable celebration of hockey. After team blue took a 4-1 lead in the first period, team white clawed back and tied the game 6-6 late in the third period, and eventually won the game, with a Jack Grier tally in OT.
The rosters were as follows;
Team White:
Forwards: Raiden Peter, Ryan Burrows, Andras Kehl, Mason Buzzell, Tray Preuss, Ryan Cunningham, Zachary Okemow, Larry Flett, Brandon Corbeil, Brydon Fleming, Tate Paul, Noah Cunningham
Defense: Barrett Butcher, Nikylo Emerson, Taiven Makokis, Corwin Waithe, Everett Wolftail,Hayden Wilson
Goalies: Marlo DeRosa, Carter Sapach
Team Blue:
Forwards: Race Jenkins, Dalane Rabbitt, Landy Johnson, Austin Berezowski, Kayden Varga, Regan Thomas, Raiden Perkins, Nathan Johnstone, Rhett Becher, Jaxon Bolt, Harlan Noskey, Nolan Noskey
Defense: Sam Rieger, Storm Burns, Braden Swampy, Kaden Joachim, Joey Biskup, Carter Baron
Goalies: Joey Isaak, Cole Webber
The All-Star Game also featured an exciting skills competition, where the league's top players showcased their speed, accuracy, shooting power and shootouts in a series of thrilling events.
Fastest Skater
In the hockey fastest skater competition, Landy Johnson of the Edson Eagles blazed through the course with an impressive time of 16.09 seconds, securing first place.
Hardest Shot
Storm Burns (Redwater Pioneers) triumphed in a close competition! After a tie between him and Nathan Johnstone (Vulcan Rampage) with shots of 82.3 mph, Burns edged out the win on the second round with a top speed of 83.2 mph. That extra 0.9 mph made all the difference in securing his victory.
Other competitors included Joey Biskup (Edson Eagles), Mason Buzzell (Edson Eagles), Braden Swampy, Hayden Wilson (Crowsnest Crush), Andras Kehl (Edson Eagles), and Austin Berezowski (Edson Eagles)
Shooting Accuracy
Players were given 10 pucks to hit 4 targets. The competition was fierce, but Rhett Becher stood out with an impressive performance, hitting all 4 targets using just 4 pucks. His precision and skill earned him the victory in a fast-paced and exciting contest.
Other competitors included Raiden Peter (Crowsnest Crush), Braden Swampy, Scott Smith (Claresholm Thunder), Kayden Varga (Northern Alberta Lightning), Noah Cunningham (High Prairie Red Wings), Delane Rabbit (Crowsnest Crush), Tate Paul (High Prairie Red Wings)
Goaltender Competition
In the goalie competition, each participant faced shots from the hash marks, aiming to keep the puck out of the net. Joey Issak of the High Prairie Red Wings emerged as the winner, making 5 key saves to secure the victory. His quick reflexes and solid performance under pressure earned him top honors in this exciting contest.
Other competitors included Cole Webber (Northern Alberta Lightning), Carter Sapach (Edson Eagles), and Marlo DeRosa (Crowsnest Crush)
Shootout competition
The shootout competion winner was Nolan Noskey of the High Prairie Red Wings.
The night was ended by awarding some very deserving players.
The Heart and Hustle Award winners were standout players who demonstrated exceptional effort and determination on the ice. For Team Blue, Carter Baron from the Crowsnest Crush took the award. On Team White, Hayden Wilson, also from the Crowsnest Crush, was recognized for the heart and hustle award. Both players exemplified the true spirit of the game, making them deserving recipients of this prestigious recognition.
The final award was given to Austin Berezowski of the Edson Eagles. Berezowski was awarded game MVP. Berezowski’s dynamic performance, both offensively and defensively, was crucial in securing the win for Team Blue, earning him the well-deserved MVP honors.
The 2025 NJHL All-star game was a thrilling success. Thank you to the Crowsnest Crush for hosting and putting on a great event, our volunteers, our players, our referees, and our fans! We can’t wait for next year!