Systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling key bar movement in a stator assembly are provided. According to one embodiment, a stator assembly is provided that includes multiple core ring compression bands longitudinally spaced apart and disposed around a stator core having a plurality of key bars radially spaced apart and extending longitudinally along a peripheral edge of the stator core. Each of the core ring compression bands can be formed from multiple semi-circular sections coupled to form the respective core ring compression band. Each of the key bars can be disposed within respective cutouts defined in an inner edge of the core ring compression bands.