Six Huskies selected to participate in NWJHL All-Star Game

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — This weekend’s Strike Group North West Junior Hockey League (NWJHL) 2025-26 all-star contest will have several familiar faces to Huskies fans.

With the top players from the two league divisions announced on social media, the East/West and North/South divisions’ best players will converge at the North Peace Arena after the success of last season’s All-Star game.

Six Fort St. John players have been selected to participate in the game and Huskies bench boss Todd Alexander will coach the East/West division in the game on November 29th in Fort St. John.

They include defencemen Carson Batchelor and Adam Bourgeois alongside forwards Grayden Alexander, Xavier Burgher and Ryan Ungstad. Goaltender Evan Baker rounds out the all-star delegates.

“It is good recognition for the players,” said Todd Alexander. “Just to be recognized for their talent.

“If anyone’s got some time to check out the talent in the league, it’s definitely worth it. There are lots of high-end players that will be here this weekend in one place.”

Each player brings qualities to the all-star team from the season’s first half: Burgher has already exceeded his point total from 2024-25 with 20 goals and 15 assists for 35 points, while Alexander is on pace for another 50-point campaign.

Meanwhile, the rookie Batchelor is among the top 10 in point totals among defencemen, with a goal and nine assists for 10 points, matching teammate Bourgeois who has two goals and eight assists. 

“Burgs was a guy who just needed to learn to play the game the right way on the defensive side of things,” said Todd of Burgher. “He’s always had the offensive touch. Now he gets more opportunities. It does not surprise me that he is having a good year.” 

Additionally, Ungstad has had another solid campaign with 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points. 

Baker, who was pivoted into the team’s starting goalie role after last week’s deal with the La Crete Lumber Barons, has put together a record of eight wins and five losses with one overtime loss and one shootout loss in 15 starts with a respectable goals against average (GAA) of 2.60.

Regarding the trade, Todd said Baker has “room for growth” and expects “a stronger second half” from his first-string goalie.

The NWJHL All-Star Game will take place on Saturday, November 29th at the North Peace Arena at 7:30 p.m.

The game will be preceded by a skills competition beginning at 1:30 p.m. Further details about the All-Star Game are available on the NWJHL’s Facebook page.