SJHL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Brady Wacker, Humboldt Broncos
1988 D Brady Wacker (Jansen SK) has had an offensive year like no other defenseman in recent memory. Wacker was in position to win the SJHL scoring title right up to the final weekend. He finished first in the league in assists and powerplay points and ended up third overall in the scoring race. Despite his small frame, Wacker is not afraid to get physical and can sometimes be seen on highlight reels with the hit of the night just as likely as he's apt to set up the goal of the night. He causes major mis-match problems for opposing coaches trying to draw up game plans due to his riverboat gambling offensive ability and his smooth skating that allows him to easily slide back into position. Wacker has received a scholarship to Bemidji State for this Fall.
Final stats: 54GP, 17G, 65A, 82PTS
Runners-up:
Rylan Schwartz, Notre Dame (see write-up for SJHL MVP)
Preston Shupe, Weyburn (see write-up for SJHL MVP)
Brett Leedahl, Kindersley (see write-up for SJHL MVP)
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MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Winner: Rylan Schwartz, Notre Dame Hounds
1990 F Rylan Schwartz (Wilcox SK) is the youngest player of the four finalists to be considered for this prestigious honor. Schwartz completely went off in the final few games to surge ahead of the competition and win the SJHL scoring title by four points over Brett Leedahl. He accomplished this despite missing eight games because of commitments to the World Junior 'A' Challenge and CJHL Top Prospects Game. One of the most offensively dangerous players the SJHL has seen in recent memory, Schwartz is a threat to score or set up a goal from anywhere on the ice. In addition, he’s defensive play has greatly improved to the point where he is also one of the top defensive forwards in the SJHL. He should make for an excellent NCAA player with Colorado College, beginning this fall.
Final stats: 48GP, 39G, 49A, 88PTS
Runners-up:
Brett Leedahl, Kindersley Klippers
1988 F Brett Leedahl (Saskatoon SK) is an electrifying player to watch, often bringing fans out of their seats with his razzle dazzle style of offensive flair. Leedahl stayed in contention for the SJHL scoring title right up to the final night, in fact his five-assist outing in the second to last game of the season put pressure on Schwartz in game 56. He’s been a fixture amongst the league leaders ever since he entered the league as an 18-year-old rookie in 2006-07. How important of a factor is Leedahl? You will find his name on approximately 50% of all Kindersley goals through either a goal or an assist.
Preston Shupe, Weyburn Red Wings
1988 F Preston Shupe (Weyburn SK) is a consummate professional on and off the ice. Shupe is one of the league's more sportsmanlike players and his maturity was evident enough to Canisius that they inked him to a scholarship very early on this season. Shupe has been a major factor in Weyburn's second half surge, leading the team in scoring and in the dressing room. Shupe stayed in the mix for a scoring crown up until the final weekend and the Red Wing captain finished in the top five in all major offensive categories.
Brady Wacker, Humboldt Broncos
(see write-up for SJHL Player Of The Year)
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SJHL SCORING CHAMPION
Winner: Rylan Schwartz, Notre Dame Hounds
1990 Rylan Schwartz (Wilcox SK) put up 16-points in his final 6-games to win by four points over Kindersley’s Brett Leedahl. Schwartz scored four points in the 54th game of the year as he went up head to head against Preston Shupe of the Weyburn Red Wings, who was held to two points on that night, essentially eliminating Shupe from the chase. In game 55 against Kindersley, Schwartz scored two points, but also watched one bench over as Brett Leedahl had five assists to close the gap to one heading into the final night. Schwartz answered the bell with two goals and a beautiful set-up in overtime as the Hounds won 3-2, giving Schwartz the crown with 88-points, compared to Leedahl’s 84.
Final stats: 48GP, 39G, 49A, 88PTS
Runners-up:
Brett Leedahl, Kindersley Klippers (56GP, 28G, 56A, 84PTS)
Brady Wacker, Humboldt Broncos (54GP, 17G, 65A, 82PTS)
Preston Shupe, Weyburn Red Wings (56GP, 36G, 44A, 80PTS)
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SJHL TOP GOALTENDER (lowest goals against average)
Winner: Andrew Bodnarchuk, Humboldt Broncos
1990 Andrew Bodnarchuk (Saskatoon SK) was installed as the number one goaltender for the two time defending Credit Union Cup champion Humboldt Broncos and came through with a league leading 2.23-GAA to win the title by 0.13. Bodnarchuk caught fire down the stretch, recording three shutouts in his last six starts to give him six for the season and seven in his career. To top things off, he was second in the SJHL in wins and third in SPCT.
Final stats: 25-5-0-2 (W-L-OTL-SOL), 2.23GAA, .916SPCT, 6SO
Runners-up:
Travis Bosch, Melville Millionaires
1988 G Travis Bosch (Regina SK) led the SJHL in minutes played, wins, and save percentage.
Final stats: 29-16-3-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL), 2.36GAA, .928SPCT, 1SO
Devin Peters, Yorkton Terriers
1990 G Devin Peters (St. Andrews MB) was, by far, the top rookie goalie in the SJHL this season as he led all first year SJHL goalies in every major netminding category.
Final stats: 19-8-1-4 (W-L-OTL-SOL), 2.53GAA, .917SPCT, 0SO
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SJHL DEFENSEMAN OF THE YEAR
Winner: Brady Wacker, Humboldt Broncos
(see write-up for SJHL Player Of The Year)
Final stats: 54GP, 17G, 65A, 82PTS
Runners-up:
Greg Coburn, Yorkton Terriers
1988 D Greg Coburn (Saskatoon SK) watched his game blossom this season, culminating with a scholarship to Union, which was announced in January. Coburn was Yorkton's leading scorer for most of the season and ended up fourth in scoring amongst all SJHL blueliners. Coburn plays in all situations and often logs upwards of 30+ minutes a game. He's as strong defensively as he is offensively, often playing a steady 1-on-1 style that can go unnoticed until he makes a nice play further up the ice.
Taylor Thiessen, Nipawin Hawks
1989 D Taylor Thiessen (Prince Albert SK) is a hybrid in that he combines physical play with an offensive game that ranks amongst the SJHL's best. Thiessen, is eligible to return to the Hawks next year and has to be a candidate to win this trophy outright as a 20-year-old. He has been extremely consistent all year long, even during some tough stretches for the Hawks in the early part of the season. However, his game has shown progressive spikes in the second half, further elevating the play of his teammates as well as himself. With 44-points, Thiessen finished fifth in SJHL defensemen scoring.
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SJHL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Jaden Schwartz, Notre Dame Hounds
1992 F Jaden Schwartz (Wilcox SK) has had a tremendous year, getting selected for the World Junior 'A' Challenge, World Under-17 Hockey Championships, and CJHL Top Prospects Game. He has also, verbally, committed to Colorado College for 2010-11. Offensively, Schwartz was the SJHL's leading scorer amongst rookies by a comfortable margin and has managed to carve out a major role on a rebuilding team despite playing Junior 'A' hockey at an age in which he could still play two more years of midget. The younger brother of SJHL MVP Rylan Schwartz, Jaden is believed to have set an SJHL regular season record with five overtime winning goals this year. He finished third overall in goals and fifth overall in points amongst all players.
Final stats: 46GP, 34G, 42A, 76PTS
Runners-up:
Dane Muench, Battlefords North Stars
1992 F Dane Muench (Martensville SK) has emerged as a go-to player on the Battlefords North Stars, a tall order for a player who could still be playing midget hockey for another year after this. It is an assignment made even tougher when you consider the Stars are already a young team and Muench doesn't have the benefit of learning from veterans who have experience winning in the SJHL. Nevertheless, Muench ranks third in the league amongst rookies in goal scoring and being able to make a major impact at the age of 16 speaks volumes of his potential. He ended the year as the top scorer on his team.
Deven Stillar, Melfort Mustangs
1990 F Deven Stillar (Sudbury ON) has, quietly, gone about his business this season and found himself second amongst all SJHL rookies in goals (32). A highly touted prospect after helping his club win the national Midget 'AAA' hockey championship this past Spring, Stillar has had very little trouble adjusting to the higher level in a province foreign to him prior to this season. While he has enjoyed the physical aspect of the SJHL, his offensive exploits are his bread and butter. He would be an early candidate to challenge for an SJHL scoring crown next year.
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GRAHAM CHRISTIE MEMORIAL AWARD
Given to the player who provides inspirational leadership and dedication to teammates both on and off the ice. The award carries a $500 bursary from the Christie family.
Winner: Preston Shupe, Weyburn Red Wings
Last year’s Kresse-Kruger-Mantyka Award winner, Shupe (Weyburn SK) is this year’s winner for the Graham Christie Memorial. Weyburn’s team captain contributes off the ice through school visits, community events, team functions, as well as letterman and coaches meetings. His personal organization, communication, and team building processes are highly refined. On the ice, he led his team in scoring and placed fourth overall in the SJHL scoring championship.
Runners-up:
Daniel Hope, Melville Millionaires
Hope (Kelvington SK) possesses tremendous leadership skills, serving as an Assistant Captain last season, his first as a Millionaire. This year, he’s the Captain and the team’s leading scorer. Despite not being known as an aggressive on-ice player, he’s also the first to stick up for a teammate when duty calls. He is the first one to volunteer for team functions and has been involved with Big Brothers and Big Sisters with School Mentoring for each of the past two seasons as well.
Scott Schroeder, Humboldt Broncos
Schroeder (Drake SK) has shown courage and leadership on every level, including suffering through two injury plagued seasons to emerge as a team leader and point producer on a club that is, statistically, the league’s best. For practice, he’s the first on the ice and the last to leave. He also doesn’t hesitate to share his trying experiences with younger players.
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KRESSE-KRUGER-MANTYKA AWARD
Given to the player who shows a high degree of hockey proficiency combined with showing evidence of attending school, maintaining above average academics. The winner receives scholarship of $500.
Winner: Greg Coburn, Yorkton Terriers
Coburn (Saskatoon SK) is a strong two-way defenseman, who skates well and is a leader on his hockey club. Coburn always matches up against opposing teams’ top lines and maintains excellent poise and composure. Coburn has earned SJHL Defenseman Of The Week and SJHL Defenseman Of The Month awards this season and is also the top +/- player on the Terriers. He has received a scholarship to Union for next year, indicating he maintains an excellent academic grade.
Runners-up:
Torrey Lindsay, Weyburn Red Wings
Lindsay (Grosse Isle MB )has been a top line player for the Red Wings for the better part of two seasons. In addition to seeing quality minutes at even strength, Lindsay is also often called up on to work the powerplay and penalty kill. He has played in the SJHL All-Star Game twice and has managed to play each game for the last two years as well. Scholastically, Lindsay received a grade twelve diploma, maintaining an 80% average. He is enrolled as a full-tme distance-education student at Red River College in Winnipeg.
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SJHL COACH OF THE YEAR
Winner: Dean Brockman, Humboldt Broncos
Dean Brockman has his Humboldt Broncos in position to seriously challenge for a third straight SJHL championship. He's the only back to back winner of the SJHL Coach Of The Year Award, having won in 2007 and 2008. This would be an unprecedented third straight win should he be victorious. Over the course of the last three seasons, Brockman's Broncos have gone a combined 134-31-and-7. Brockman has managed to keep his team, head and shoulders, above the rest of the league despite dealing with last year's losses of record setting goaltender Taylor Nelson, as well as top line forwards Jordan Schindel (who was the playoff MVP), Laurent Benjamin, and Brayden Klimosko, as well as key contributors Ed Gale, Josh Garneau, and Justin Stoski. The defense has been rebuilt without the likes of former captain Russ Nielsen, Voldy Dashko, Matthew Rintoul and the necessitated trade of Mitch Stretch. This year, Brockman put his faith in Andrew Bodnarchuk, an 18-year-old, to lead his netminding equation. Defenseman Brady Wacker has enjoyed a season for the ages, challenging for an SJHL scoring title. The development curve for 20-year-olds Matthew Kirzinger, Scott & Steven Schroeder, Tory Allan, and Tanner Vandesype (among others) has been remarkable. Brockman has proven he knows how to communicate with his players and get maximum potential out of each one. His calm, cool demeanor behind the bench often results in his players exuding control and discipline during games, which means few penalties and infrequent mistakes. He has also kept a keen eye towards the future as players like Bodnarchuk, Mathieu Larochelle, Mitchell Peeke, Kyle Cowan, Dane Lindskog, Shawn Hunter, and Spencer Braaten continue to give hope the Broncos will be near the top of the league for a fourth straight season 2009-10.
Runner-up:
Jamie Fiesel, Melville Millionaires
At the start of the season, there were more than a few close SJHL observers who figured the Millionaires would be closer to the Sherwood Conference basement than the Sherwood Conference penthouse. Following a 17-2-and-2 start, those same observers found themselves eating crow as the Mils have managed to either be in first place or flirt with top spot right since the first night of the year. Holes developed from last year as goalie Joe Rodwell opted for university, and the graduation of long time defenseman Derek Edwards as well as forwards Dion Campbell, Brad Johnston, Bryant Dyke, Jordan Wilson, Chris Shudo, Scott Hennings (and others). Fiesel deserves a lot of credit for spotting talent and getting maximum value out of the likes of 1988 G Travis Bosch, a Junior 'B' rookie promoted to the back-up role last season before getting turned into the SJHL's busiest netminder in his 20-year-old campaign. Despite playing in a very small market, Fiesel has cultivated positive relationships with the Western Hockey League, leading to the recruitment of Levi Lind, Cody Hanson, Kelly Friesen, and Brayden Metz. Of those players, only Lind was being counted on for this year. Fiesel has also been a master of getting the most out of his project players, with this year's best example being Tyler Murray. Murray missed a year and a half because of injuries, but has given the Mils point-per-game production all season. A players' coach who isn't afraid to think outside the box, Fiesel sometimes employs a rare five forward powerplay. He also recaptured the team after a trying month of January that saw the Mils go on a 2-and-7 skid, only to rebound with eight straight wins to finish the season. Like Brockman, Fiesel never mortgages his future for the present. With the likes of Aaron DeCorby, Logan Herauf, Matt Kinnunen, Hanson, Metz, Jordan Reeve, and Austin Krahenbil all eligible to return, Melville fans should be confident they'll see a competitive team again next season.
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