It was a full day of hockey at the Seven Oaks Arena in Winnipeg, Manitoba Tuesday as day one of the SJHL/MJHL Showcase kicked off.
The day all started with a match-up between a pair of U20 teams as the SJHL’s Team Gold met the MJHL’s Team Red. The two teams set the tone for the first day of the showcase as they played a fast physical game in front of a packed house. Ryley Morgan of the Weyburn Red Wings would get the scoring started for Team Gold just 2:10 into the opening frame after 45 seconds in the offensive zone by his line. MJHL Red would even the game in the middle stanza as Travis Hensrud would snipe one past Josh Kotai to even the game at one. However, SJHL Gold would take control in the final period as they found the back of the net three times and earned a 4-1 win. Josh Duguay, Steven Kesslering and Jaxon Martins all found the back of the net in the 3rd period to secure the win for the SJHL. Steven Kesslering of the Battlefords North Stars would earn Player of the Game for SJHL Gold.
Sadly, the 2nd game would not go as well for the SJHL and Team White. Despite boasting some of the best offensive talent in the SJHL, it was former Yorkton Terriers netminder Tresor Wotton shutting the door and earning a 22 save shutout as the MJHL Team Black U20 team would pick up a 4-0 win. Jeremi Tremblay of the Flin Flon Bombers was named Player of the Game for Team SJHL White.
In the final game of the day, the two U18 clubs from both leagues would clash and they would not disappoint. It was a back and forth bout between the two teams filled with young stars. When all was said and done though, the SJHL’s U18 team (Team Blue) would get the upper hand and walk away with a 5-4 win. Tim Kim had a pair of goals for the SJHL in the win, including a highlight reel goal late in the 3rd to secure the victory. Battlefords North Stars Defenceman Jordan Grill was named Player of the Game for SJHL Team Blue.
The Showcase will wrap up on Wednesday for another trio of games on the docket with games at 11am (SJHL Gold vs MJHL Black), 2pm (SJHL White vs MJHL Red), and 5pm (SJHL Blue vs MJHL White).
