SGEU MVP of the Month & Bourgault Forward of the Month: Ben Portner, Battlefords North Stars
It was a big month for the Battlefords North Stars and especially 19-year-old forward Ben Portner. Not only did the Stars soar up the SJHL standings, but Portner soared up the scoring leaderboard as he found the back of the net 13 times in 9 games, including a streak of scoring 2+ goals in five straight contests. Portner finished tied for the most points in January with 20 and is now up to 55 on the season which is good for 4th in SJHL scoring.
Monthly Stats: 9GP, 13G-7A, 20 PTS
SuperU Defenceman of the Month: Colby Ball, Melville Millionaires
After a slow start to the season, 20-year-old defenceman Colby Ball of the Melville Millionaires has turned it on in 2024. During the month, the Sherwood Park, Alberta product Ball scored 7 times and added 7 assists in 10 games played. This has helped the Millionaires move up the SJHL standings and into 5th. Ball has now moved into a tie for 9th in SJHL scoring among defencemen with 11 goals and 18 assists.
Monthly Stats: 10GP, 7G-7A, 14PTS
DirectWest Rookie of the Month: Matthew Macarthur, Battlefords North Stars
While he has been with the Battlefords North Stars for a short amount of time, goaltender Matthew Macarthur has made a tremendous impact for his new club. In four starts during January, the 19-year-old goaltender went 3-0-0-1, making 138 saves, and earning his first SJHL shutout.
Monthly Stats: 4GP, 3-0-0-1, 2.71 GAA, .926 SV%, 1 SO
Sasktel Goalie of the Month: James Venne, Melfort Mustangs
Sticking in between the pipes, James Venna of the Melfort Mustangs continued his strong play this season into 2024. In seven games during the month, the 19-year-old went 4-2-0-1 and earned a pair of shutouts as the Mustangs continued to try and chase down the Battlefords North Stars for 2nd place in the SJHL standings. Venne is 2nd in the SJHL in goals against average, 3rd in save percentage, and tied for the league lead in shutouts.
Monthly Stats: 7GP, 4-2-0-1, 2.15 GAA, .927 SV%, 2 SO
Canterra Seeds Saskatchewan Player of the Month: Keagon Little, Estevan Bruins
Keagon Little of the Estevan Bruins also had a big month similar to Ben Portner who won MVP/Forward of the Month. The Bruins Captain scored four times but set up a whopping 16 to finish the month with 20 points. The 20-year-old has upped his game as Estevan continues to push for a playoff spot. He now sits tied for 7th in SJHL scoring with 49 points.
(Monthly Stats: 11GP, 4G-16A, 20 PTS)
