Award winners were voted on by Coaches and Media across the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
*All Stats as of March 9th*
SGEU MVP of the Year: Kian Bell, Battlefords North Stars
It has been an unforgettable season for Battlefords North Stars forward Kian Bell. The 19-year-old forward has played a major role in the Stars not just being the 1st place team in the SJHL, but one of the top teams in the country. Bell surpassed the 50-goal plateau before hitting the 50 games played mark and going into the final week of the regular season 1st in the league in points with 96.
RBC Player of the Year: Kian Bell, Battlefords North Stars
52 goals in 49 games doesn’t happen often in the SJHL and for his superb efforts Kian Bell has also been voted as RBC Player of the Year. Bell also has 10 game winning goals so far this season. Going into the final week of the regular season, Bell is also averaging 1.96 points per game.
Sasktel Goalie of the Year: Josh Kotai, Battlefords North StarsĀ
You couldn’t ask for a better first season in the SJHL for 19-year-old Josh Kotai of the Battlefords North Stars. His record speaks for itself. 31-4-0-2 going into the final weekend of the regular season. His solid and consistent play also played a major role in him earning an NCAA Division I commitment to Augustana.
DirectWest Rookie of the Year: Riley Ashe, Melfort Mustangs
The 2022-2023 rookie class in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League has been outstanding, and earning DirectWest Rookie of the Year honours is 16-year-old Riley Ashe of the Melfort Mustangs. The Mustangs rookie was elevated to a major role in first year in the league, consistently being in Melfort’s top 6. Going into the final weekend of the year, Ashe has 8 goals and 30 assists.
SuperU Defenseman of the Year: Tynan Ewart, Battlefords North Stars
Leading the charge offensively all year from the blue line has been 20-year-old Tynan Ewart of the Battlefords North Stars. Heading into the final weekend of the regular season, the Duncan, B.C product has 7 goals and 47 assists and is one of a handful of defenseman to be above a point per game. Not only has Ewart been producing offensively for the Stars, he has also been an anchor on the blue line for the 1st place Stars.
Federated Co-Op Most Sportsmanlike Player: Tylin Hilbig, Kindersley Klippers & Zander Stewart, Nipawin Hawks
It’s only fitting that the only award this season to finish in a tie and produce two winners is the Most Sportsmanlike. Both Tylin Hilbig of the Kindersley Klippers and Zander Stewart of the Nipawin Hawks have been recognized for being some of the most sportsmanlike players in the SJHL, while also playing significant roles with their respective clubs. Hilbig, a 19-year-old power forward has led the charge offensively for the Klippers this season, all while only having 37 penalty minutes. Stewart on the other hand, has logged many hard minutes for the Nipawin Hawks this year, has produced offensively, and has just 12 penalty minutes.
Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association Coach of the Year: Brayden Klimosko, Battlefords North Stars
For the 3rd year in a row Brayden Klimosko has been named Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association Coach of the Year. The North Stars run at the top of the SJHL standings during the 22/23 regular season has been nothing short of incredible. No regulation losses until the 2023 portion of the schedule, and 15 weeks as the #1 team in the CJHL.
The SJHL would like to congratulate all award winners and finalists for their incredible accomplishments this season.