Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

Nipawin Hawks Commitments

By Nipawin Hawks

The Nipawin Hawks are pleased to announce that all of their graduating players along with Josh McDougall have college committments for the upcoming season.  An amazing 6 graduating players secured commitments with USport schools along with Logan Casavant going to Trinity Western University and Grant Baetsen committing to Adrian College.  The 6 players that received commitments to USport schools are Brandan Arnold- Mt. Royal, Thomas Lenchyshyn and Carter Doerksen- University of Manitoba, Brett Harasymuk- University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Michael Grant- University of Lethbridge and Tyler Adams- University of Regina.

During an amazing year that saw Josh McDougall honored with the SJHL Defenseman of the Year, Mercyhurst University awarded Josh with a full scholarship.  Mercyhurst University is a NCAA D1 school out of Erie, PA. USA.  This is an incredible accomplishment for an amazing young man.  Josh is a tremendous player and an incredible young man.  His highlight reel plays will be missed along with his witty sense of humor.

Brandan Arnold came back from the WHL with a vengeance being the SJHL Playoff MVP and leading the team’s offensive attack throughout the year.  Mt. Royal University out of Calgary is getting a tremendous competitor that will bring a burning desire to get better every day.  Starting in Nipawin at the age of 17 the town of Nipawin has watched Brandan grow and develop and look forward to following his progress with Mt. Royal.

Carter Doerksen, the Hawks Captain for the past 2 years secured a commitment from the Universtiy of Manitoba and they are getting arguably the best leader the Hawks have ever seen.  His bone crunching hits and selfless play will be tough to replace along with his whatever it takes to win attitude.  Carter is leaving Nipawin with the Hawks all time games played in playoffs record.

Thomas Lenchyshyn will also be attending the University of Manitoba.  “Lench” will take his abrasive on ice play along with his ability to make the highlight reel play with him to the U of M.  A true competitor Thomas’ community service and infectious smile will be missed within the community and locker room.

Brett Harasymuk after 3 great years in the black and gold is taking his game to Oshawa, Ont. and attending the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.  An all-around player with a fiery personality, UOIT is getting an incredible young man that will be able to play up and down in their lineup.  Every year Brett posted better numbers and the Hawks have no doubt he will continue to improve his game while being a model citizen off the ice.

Michael Grant after a tremendous 2 years in Nipawin will be taking his goal scoring touch back home to Lethbridge.  An extremely intelligent young man, Mike will be looking at the University of Lethbridge’s Neuroscience program.  His willingness to do whatever community service initiative the Hawks had will be sorely missed as well as his beard and knack for scoring the big goal.

Tyler Adams, like Michael Grant, is heading home also to attend the University of Regina.  TA made his presence felt immediately after coming to Nipawin after Christmas and was an integral part of the Hawks Championship run with his incredible skill level and physicality.

Logan Casavant after parts of 3 great seasons with Nipawin will be heading to Langley, BC. and Trinity Western University.  Every year Logan improved greatly and his work ethic and drive to succeed was a huge part of his success.  He wanted to get better every day and worked to make sure he did.  These attributes will serve him well as a student-athlete in Trinity.

Finally Grant Baetsen is also making a homecoming of sorts, heading back to Michigan and attending Adrian College in Adrian, MI.  Grant came to Nipawin as a great 2 way forward and was a player the team relied upon from day 1 to kill penalties and his role grew every year.  A quiet leader, Grant was a guy that everyone listened to when he spoke.

All of these 9 young men were instrumental in bringing Nipawin its first SJHL Championship in 28 years.  Each and every one of these players will be missed more than they can imagine both on and off the ice in Nipawin.  The hours they spent within the community are immeasurable.  They were all a pleasure to coach, work with, and watch each and every day they wore the Hawks jersey.  The Nipawin community and the whole Hawks organization wish these young men nothing but the best and we know they will make their new programs better because of their character and drive.  Good luck guys and remember once a Hawk always a Hawk.

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