SGEU MVP of the Week: Jerome Maharaj, Weyburn Red Wings
Maharaj has been primarily unstoppable all year. With seven points in his last four games—a four-game Weyburn win streak—he has been the ringleader of a possessed team. He should be front and centre as one of the SJHL’s best players at the Showcase this week.
Weekly Stats: 3 GP, 2 G, 4 A, 6 PTS
Bourgault Forward of the Week: Jaxson Ruthven, Weyburn Red Wings
The primary beneficiary of Maharaj’s magic is the pure finisher, Ruthven. The Vancouver-born winger had goals in all three games this week for the Wings and, together with Cyprus Smith-Davis, forms the best line in the SJHL.
Weekly Stats: 3 GP, 4 G, 2 A, 6 PTS
SuperU Defenceman of the Week: Oakley McIlwain, Humboldt Broncos
What a difference a week makes! The Broncos were in the dumps just over 10 days ago, and now, with McIlwain leading the way in all three zones, they are flying high again. A pair of wins this past week were much-needed for Humboldt, and McIlwain should also be critical for the SJHL at the Showcase next week.
Weekly Stats: 2 GP, 1 G, 4 A, 5 PTS
Sasktel Goalie of the Week: Matthew Kieper, Flin Flon Bombers
Kieper had a shutout streak of over 125 minutes before he was beaten by Ruthven Friday. Otherwise, the WHL veteran net-minder has been flawless in the Bomber net since his arrival in November. Flin Flon took seven possible eight points over a southern Sask swing this past week, and Kieper was terrific again while starting three of the four games.
Weekly Stats: 3 starts, 2-0-1-0 record, .952 SV%, 0.98 GAA, 2 SO
IKS Media Rookie of the Week: Steven Steranka, Estevan Bruins
Steranka has been magical since he arrived in Estevan from the Red Deer Rebels, and his five points in last week’s two-game set with a defensively dependable Kindersley team was further proof of the actual injection of offence he has provided to the Bruins’ attack. He must keep it going if the Bruins continue to climb into playoff relevance.
Weekly Stats: 3 GP, 3 G, 2 A, 5 PTS
Canterra Seeds Saskatchewan Player of the Week: Carter Cormier, Flin Flon Bombers (from Kindersley, Sask)
Injuries to Leighton Carruthers and Anthony Picinnino meant somebody needed to step up big for Flin Flon, and the vastly experienced Cormier was one of those who did in spades. His seven points over the road trip were impressive, including a four-point night Saturday in Wilcox, where he used to play as a high schooler.
Weekly Stats: 3 GP, 3 G, 4 A, 7 PTS