SGEU MVP of the Month – Kian Bell, Battlefords North Stars
The Battlefords North Stars head into the unofficial second half of the SJHL season still undefeated in regulation, and in December a big reason why they found so much success was the play of Kian Bell. In 8 games played in December, Bell registered 18 points in 8 games for the Stars. This was highlighted by a five point night against the Yorkton Terriers on December 15th, where Bell had 3 goals and 2 assists in a 9-6 win. The 19-year-old leads the SJHL in goals with 28 in 28 games and also heads into January leading the league in points with 54.
Dec Stats (8GP, 9g-9a, 18PTS)
Sasktel Goalie of the Month – Benjamin Motew, Humboldt Broncos
Benjamin Motew is Sasktel Goalie of the Month following his superb play for the Broncos in December. The 18-year-old netminder was lights out in his four games for the club, allowing just five goals in 4 games, recording his first SJHL shutout against the Weyburn Red Wings on December 17th, and finishing the month with a 3-1 record. Motew now owns an 8-2-0-1 record with the Broncos this season and ranks 8th in the league with a 2.70 GAA.
Dec Stats (3-1-0-0, 1.25 GAA, .954 SV%, 1 SO)
Directwest Rookie of the Month – David Rioux, Melfort Mustangs
The Melfort Mustangs continue their climb up the SJHL standings and in December they received major contributions from rookie forward David Rioux. In the absence of Zac Sommers, who was away at the World Junior A Challenge, Rioux registered 5 goals and 3 assists in 7 games played. The 18-year-old’s impressive month of December also doubled his point total on the year and now boasts 7 goals and 9 assists going into January. Rioux is also tied for 7th in rookie scoring in the SJHL.
Dec Stats (7GP, 5g-3a, 8PTS)
SuperU Defenceman of the Month – Kevin Minnoch, Melfort Mustangs
The Melfort Mustangs also received plenty of offence from their blue line in the month of December, and Kevin Minnoch led the way. The 20-year-old Defenceman racked up the points in December, finding the back of the net 4 times and adding 8 assists. Minnoch’s excellent month was highlighted by a four point night on December 14th against the Melville Millionaires. The Sherwood Park, Alberta product now has 7 goals and 16 assists on the year and is 8th in SJHL scoring among Defenceman.
