SGEU MVP of the Month: Keefe Gruener, Flin Flon Bombers
The Flin Flon Bombers have not lost in regulation since Oct. 30, 2024, so while Gruener has been terrific and deserving of many accolades, this is as much a team award as anything. If you’re counting at home, that’s an insane 26 games with at least a point in a row, 23 of them wins. Gruener leads the league in shorthanded goals, ends January, and begins February on a nine-game point streak.
Month Stats: 11 GP, 10 G, 8 A, 18 PTS
Bourgault Forward of the Month: David Coyle, Yorkton Terriers
Amongst many talented forwards on Yorkton, Coyle has blended his durability and character with his significant talent to become one of the best, most consistent players in the SJHL this year. He could just as easily have won this award in December, too, so he is getting his just deserts.
Month Stats: 11 GP, 6 G, 11 A, 17 PTS
SuperU Defenceman of the Month: Max Chakrabarti, Weyburn Red Wings
Ancient Greek mythology speaks of the great King Midas, who allegedly could turn everything he touched into gold. From the first moment of the pre-season, it has felt that way for Chakrabarti, and January was no different. Weyburn’s star defenceman, who still qualifies as a rookie, also leads the league in defenceman points and overall power-play points.
Month Stats: 11 GP, 4 G, 7 A, 11 PTS
Sasktel Goalie of the Month: Matthew Kieper, Flin Flon Bombers
What more superlatives are there to say about Kieper’s impact on the Bombers season so far? He has not lost in regulation this year, with a record of 16-0-1-1 and a goals-against-average 32 points lower than the second-best. The team is playing wonderfully in front of him, but is there really any argument that he is the best goalie in the league?
Month Stats: 8 starts, 6-0-1-1 record, 1.84 GAA, .935 SV%
IKS Media Rookie of the Month: Steven Steranka, Estevan Bruins
Steranka won’t turn 18 until October, and offensive talent and instincts are unmistakable for the Regina kid. The Bruins won’t be an easy out the rest of the year under Drew Kocur, and Steranka’s fireworks are already a big reason.
Month Stats: 7 GP, 6 G, 4 A, 10 PTS
Canterra Seeds Saskatchewan Player of the Month: Dazza Mitchell, Humboldt Broncos (from Regina, Sask)
The 2024 portion of the season was bumpy for Dazza, more circumstantially than anything he did wrong, so it is wonderful to see such a terrific young man flying to start 2025. He has clearly adjusted to the different colours for the first time in his junior career, and the Broncos are right on track thanks to his brilliance. Playoffs are coming soon, and nobody will want to stare down the ice at Dazza in the other net, Round 1.
Month Stats: 7 starts, 4-2-0-1 record, 2.68 GAA, .926 SV%