SGEU MVP of the Week: Trey Markus, Warman Wolverines
The Warman Wolverines have had a dream start to the year, and local boy Markus has played a big part in it. On Sept. 22, he scored twice in 15 seconds late in the third period to tie the game and send it to overtime, and has nine points over a four-game streak.
Week Stats: 5 GP – 4 G, 5 A – 9 PTS; hat-trick vs Yorkton
SaskLotteries Forward of the Week: Jake Briltz, Yorkton Terriers
Briltz sat behind some serious veterans a year ago, but has taken his opportunity so far in 26/27. He has goals in all but one of Yorkton’s games so far and is already one point behind his full-season total from last year. The Regina native has played between a plethora of wingers thus far, but has found a way to contribute well every night regardless.
Week Stats: 4 GP – 3 G, 4 A – 7 PTS; 4-game point streak
SuperU Defenceman of the Week: Theron Bensler, Warman Wolverines
The smooth-skating 6-foot-3 defenceman has hit the ground running for a surging Warman team. Acquired with fellow regular Ben Morton from the Alberta league right before the season started, he potted the winner in a dramatic overtime victory over Yorkton last week. Depth all over the ice was a problem for Warman last year; it has not been the case so far this year, and Bensler is right in the middle of it.
Week Stats: 5 GP – 1 G, 5 A – 6 PTS; OT winner vs Yorkton
SaskTel Goalie of the Week: Luke Brunen, Warman Wolverines
There is a strong argument that Warman’s early-season surge to the top of the table has more to do with Brunen than anyone else. His only truly tough outing so far was the first, after he hadn’t played Junior A hockey in a year and a half, and he has been clutch since then. The Wolverines are still on the younger side of the SJHL and still give up more chances than Head Coach Brett Pilkington would like, but Brunen has been there to shut the door, especially late in games. In three of the four victories this year, the veteran from Warman has made 37 or more saves.
Week Stats: 4-1-0, 2.80 GAA, .923 SV%; SO vs Battlefords
SaskMilk Rookie of the Week: Cody Farrell, Humboldt Broncos
Highly touted after missing the cut with the Western Hockey League’s Regina Pats, Farrell has more than lived up to the hype so far. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound winger has averaged a goal per game, highlighted by a four-point night in Friday’s dramatic win over Battlefords. His monster-sized line with Oliver Phillips and Connor Miller won’t be a fun one to face as long as they are together.
Week Stats: 4 GP – 4 G, 3 A – 7 PTS; OT winner vs Battlefords
Canterra Seeds Saskatchewan Player of the Week: Jase McNichol, Weyburn Red Wings (from Nokomis, Sask)
The Wings and Bruins filled the net with 21 goals over their two Highway 39 games this past weekend, and third-year winger McNichol filled his boots with five points over the two contests. He also scored a shorthanded goal Friday and a power-play goal Saturday during the Wings’ four-power-play-goal evening. Head Coach Cody Mapes is very excited about his unit with Hayden Iron Shirt and Jace Harder, and it’s easy to see why.
Week Stats: 4 GP – 3 G, 3 A – 6 PTS; 3-pt night vs Estevan.
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