The SJHL is proud to announce the six players who have been named to the 2021/22 SJHL SaskMilk All-Rookie Team.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling the 2020/21 season, this year was highlighted by an extensive group of talented rookies. The first-year players across the league not only showcased their wide range of abilities, proving they were here to stay, but helped set the sights on a continuously bright future of the SJHL.
With standout seasons, these six players were selected to represent their peers and were named to the 2021/22 SaskMilk All-Rookie Team.
Goaltender – Kael DePape (’03), Yorkton Terriers
Only one goalie played more minutes this season than Yorkton native, Kael DePape. DePape’s breakout season was a driving factor to the Yorkton Terriers making it to the SJHL Semi Finals. He finished the regular season 22-15-0-5, with a 2.32 GAA and .915 SV% to go along with 4 shutouts. His impressive rookie season led him to be named the Viterra Division’s Goaltender of the Year and Rookie of the Year.
Forward – Kevin Anderson (’03), Notre Dame Hounds
Anderson, the youngest captain in the SJHL, was the heart and soul of the Notre Dame Hounds who made their way back to the playoffs. The Directwest Princeton University (NCAA DIV I) commit finished second in the league, among all skaters, with 79 points (30g,49a) while finding his name on the stat sheet on an absurd 41% of his team’s goals throughout the season.
Forward – Connor McGrath (’03), Humboldt Broncos
Winning the SJHL’s scoring title is an impressive feat, doing it as a rookie is on another level. McGrath was able to accomplish that with an 84-point performance (35g,49a) in his first full year in the SJHL. Another Directwest NCAA DIV I commit; McGrath was able to book his future ticket to Ferris State University thanks to his impressive season. The LeRoy, SK native also led the league with 33 powerplay points.
Forward – Jeremi Tremblay (’03), Flin Flon Bombers
Although SJHL fans weren’t blessed to observe talents of Jeremi Tremblay throughout a full season, when he was on the ice, he was among the best rookies in the SJHL. Tremblay finished just shy of a point-per-game pace, picking up 35 points (16g,19a) in just 37 games. His abilities when dressed for the Bombers were evident. The all-around offensive threat was another Directwest commitment, committing to Sacred Heart University (NCAA DIV I) despite playing just over half the season. He finished 15 points back of the team-lead, while playing 21 games fewer.
Defenseman – Parker Jasper (’03), Yorkton Terriers
A bright young defenseman that maybe didn’t get as much recognition as he deserved throughout the season. The Regina native collected a very respectable 28 points (2g,26a) in 51 games this season. However, he only had two points in his first 19 games, finishing the year with nearly a point-per-game production. That development throughout his rookie year is surely a sign of what’s to come for the young Terriers’ blueliner.
Defenseman – Jared Sych, (’03) – Notre Dame Hounds
The fourth and final NCAA DIV I committed player on this year’s All-Rookie team, Jared Sych was the minute-munching pulse of the Hounds’ blueline. The Directwest commit to Mercyhurst University finished his first full season with 35 points (7g,28a) in 58 games, 5th among all defensemen. Routinely playing close to 30 minutes a game, the 6’2 defenseman balances his defensive stability with the offensive talent that would make all 12 coaches drool for a player of his regard.
