SGEU MVP of the Week: Mason Karakochuk, Nipawin Hawks
Nipawin’s forward depth might be the best in the league, but even then, a healthy and firing Mason Karakochuk makes them another animal entirely. The 19-year-old from Saskatoon took a few games to get back up to speed after over a month off to injury, but is on a real heater now with nine points in his last four games. The Hawks have three lines right now that could be first lines on many teams in the league, but his unit with the veteran Eric Hoiness in the middle, and youngster Sean Shiels on the right, was likely the hottest trio in the SJHL this past weekend.
Week Stats: 3 GP – 3 G, 3 A – 6 PTS
Bourgault Forward of the Week: Drew Williamson, Battlefords North Stars
Games between Battlefords and Warman always seem to be goalfests – the division rivals have combined for 66 goals in their seven matchups so far, over nine combined per-game, so it stands to reason someone (or someones) from these two clubs would benefit. Williamson is this week’s hero for the Stars, who seem to have a new one every week, as he put up a four-point night Friday, and has nine points over a five-game point streak. He’s another terrific find by Wylie Riendeau, Connor Logan, and the North Stars’ brain trust.
Week Stats: 3 GP – 2 G, 4 A – 6 PTS
SuperU Defenceman of the Week: Vincent Palmarin, Warman Wolverines
Ditto about the Battlefords-Warman series when it comes to Warman’s leader, as Vinny continues to play well in all facets of the game, and has been a major reason why the Wolverines’ power play has really woken up lately. His four points Friday were a career high, as are his season total production, which is up 10 already from last year (though he left for Major Junior partway a season ago). A quality USports spot seems a sure thing for one of the league’s top players.
Week Stats: 3 GP – 0 G, 6 A – 6 PTS
SaskTel Goalie of the Week: Gage Roberts, Nipawin Hawks
The serial goalie of the week candidate had a rough January, mostly due to playing through an injury, but looks to be in terrific form once again. In two games in February he has not given up a goal, an extra impressive feat given the red hot Weyburn Red Wings were in town last week. The fight for home-ice in Round 1 is serious right now, and the Hawks like their chances with Gage playing like he is. Only Flin Flon has given up fewer goals than Nipawin, and Gage is a big reason why.
Week Stats: 2-0-0-0, 1.000 SV%, 0.00 GAA, shutouts vs. Weyburn & La Ronge
SaskMilk Rookie of the Week: Sean Shiels, Nipawin Hawks
Shiels has been incredibly consistent since he was elevated in the Nipawin line-up, and has had exactly two points in each game in all four contests the Hawks have played in February. Over this five-point point streak, he has four goals and nine points, meaning half his points on the season have come in February. Nipawin’s second-rounder in 2023, he is another example of the Hawks’ excellent use of the SJHL Draft.
Week Stats: 3 GP – 2 G, 4 A – 6 PTS
Canterra Seeds Saskatchewan Player of the Week: Kanyan Unger, Warman Wolverines (from Warman, Sask)
While the young Wolverines have had a hard time finding results lately, that has not included Unger, who has a five-game goal-scoring streak going, and 10 points on a six-game point streak overall. The local boy is loving life playing with his childhood friend Carter Bergen on the left with one of the league’s most underrated young centremen, Cam Sarna, in the middle. If Brett Pilkington can keep all these weapons together in years to come, look out. Unger had multi-point nights both nights vs. Battlefords this weekend.
Week Stats: 3 GP – 3 G, 3 A, 6 PTS
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