Gage Misskey

It took a move to Nipawin early in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League season before 19-year-old Gage Misskey scored a goal at the Junior “A” level and since joining the Hawks the veteran defenceman has not only done that, but he has provided strong leadership on a team looking for its first league championship in nearly 30 years.

Misskey, who hails from nearby Melfort, was acquired from the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Drumheller Dragons in mid-October and in 47 games with the Hawks the 5-foot-10, 158-pound rearguard registered two goals and six assists. He has nearly matched those totals in just nine post-season contests as Misskey has scored once and set up five others.

After three seasons with the Swift Current Legionnaires of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League, where he amassed 46 points in 130 games and served as team captain during his final season at that level, Misskey moved west to Drumheller.

His one and only full season with the Dragons saw Misskey play in 54 games and register nine assists, but he also racked up 150 minutes in penalties providing the team with some grit on the back end. Misskey, who was selected as an alternate captain at the start of this year with Drumheller, had two more helpers in 10 games before being moved to Nipawin for a player development fee.

His grit and character has followed him to the Hawks as not only did he provide leadership with his new squad, but he continued to be a physical presence as evidenced by his 76 minutes in penalties during the regular season.

A lot of the players have connections to Humboldt having played with some of the Broncos at various levels in the past, but Misskey’s connection is even deeper as he played one season of bantam hockey in that community picking up three goals and three assists in 24 games during the 2011-12 campaign.

The Hawks have had a season to remember winning both the Sherwood Division and regular-season banners and they would like to cap it off with a Canalta Cup championship. Misskey will likely play a big role should Nipawin have a favourable outcome in their series against Estevan.