SGEU MVP of the Week: Matthew Spencer-Dahl, Melville Millionaires
Is the veteran and newly acquired Spencer-Dahl finally the riddle that has been the Mils’ goaltending position this year? Doug Johnson and crew sure hope so! Already the sixth Millionaire goaltender to see the ice this year, he was terrific in his first two SJHL games this past week, both wins. One goal against over 120 minutes will do the trick, and he was probably even better – necessarily so – in the game he didn’t get the shutout, in Battlefords Friday. Noah Sinagowitz has not been bad at all; the Mils just wanted a veteran presence. After years in the SIJHL and a short stint to start the year in the Manitoba League, perhaps the big Spencer-Dahl has found a home.
Week Stats: 2-0-0-0, .981 SV%, 0.50 GAA, 1 SO, 51 Saves
Bourgault Forward of the Week: Maverick Deslisle, Flin Flon Bombers
The Bombers had a few injury issues in November, like everyone else it seems, but with the play of Deslisle, among others, it really did not matter at all. Deslisle, who, although 20 years old, had not played junior hockey before this season, continues to be a star for the Bombers, where his vision and wicked release have paid huge dividends. Flin Flon is clearly the hottest team in the league right now, with wins in nine of their last 10, and Maverick and crew do not look like they are going to slow down.
Week Stats: 2 GP – 1 G, 5 A – 6 PTS
SuperU Defenceman of the Week: Sam Ward, Flin Flon Bombers
Much of what was just written about Deslisle can be said about Ward, who also took home the SuperU Defenceman of the Month award in November. Mike Reagan was clearly unhappy about his team’s October, but the settling of Ward, among others, has set this club on fire. If Ward was not in the conversation for Defenceman of the Year, he should be now.
Week Stats: 2 GP – 3 G, 2 A – 5 PTS
SaskTel Goaltender of the Week: Gage Roberts, Nipawin Hawks
Three weeks at Goaltender of the Week in a row for Gage, and counting! The Hawks tender has been everything the high-flying group has needed, and more, and his competitiveness sets the tone for the club every night. Six wins in a row include two solid ones against good opponents in Kindersley and Melfort this past week.
Week Stats: 2-0-0-0, 1.98 GAA, .934 SV%, 57 saves
SaskMilk Rookie of the Week: Nate Stevens, Weyburn Red Wings
With all due respect to Ty Matonovich, whom the Wings did a real solid by sending him to an excellent Lloydminster Bobcats team in the AJHL, if Cody Mapes did not have enormous faith in Stevens, they would not have made that deal. Weyburn goalie coach Daniel Wapple raves about the rookie who dominated the CSSHL with NAX last year, and is off to a brilliant start in the SJHL.
Week Stats: 1-0-0-0, 1.000 SV%, 0.00 GAA, 20 saves, 1 SO
Canterra Seeds Saskatchewan Player of the Week: Mason Karakochuk, Nipawin Hawks (Saskatoon, SK)
With all the guns the Hawks have, the ever-dangerous Karakochuk has been the most consistent, and especially with his four-point night last Wednesday vs Kindersley in tow, he has moved to the top of the club’s scoring chart. A proud son of Saskatoon, Mason has been a terrific ambassador for the Hawks and the league for all three years he has been a regular so far.
Week Stats: 2 GP – 0 G, 5 A – 5 PTS
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