Mustangs host 2022/23 awards banquet

“It was special,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting to have such an emotional night here tonight, but yeah, it was awesome. I love the boys and am so proud of everyone for the individual awards.”

Riley Ashe started the night off with the Scholastic Achievement award, before later capturing the Rookie of the Year award.

Wyatt Day followed up with the Community Involvement award, as he was the team’s RBC Community Ambassador.

After that, it was hometown boy, Zac Somers, who collected the Most Improved Player award, and later the Top Defensive Forward award.

Then, Leith Olafson grabbed the Most Spirited Player award, as well as the Top Defensive Defenceman award, later on.

Clarke Huxley continued the night with the Most Dedicated Player award, and the Dylan Ashe Memorial Scholarship, later in the evening.

Meanwhile, Ben Tkachuk took home the Hardest Working Player award.

The Top Scorer award was the only one to not yet be named, as the club has two games left in the regular season, with Tkachuk sitting at 52 points, Dawson Leroux sitting at 50 points, and Somers sitting at 49 points.

As for the Three Star Selection award, which was presented by Pattison Media, Aidyn Hutchinson was the recipient, as he won the group’s player of the game, a total of five times, on home ice.

Aidyn Hutchison – left, receives his award from northeastNOW reporter Ben Tompkins – right. (Photo courtesy/Broad Leaf Media)

Dawson Leroux would then win the next two plaques, with the Plus/Minus award and the Kyle Johnson Memorial Award.

Boston Maxwell would then proceed with the Crunch Award, which is given to the player with the most hits.

Soon after, Kevin Minnoch won his first of two awards, with the Joel Dennis Memorial award, before later sharing the Most Valuable Defenceman award.

Hayden Tuba also jumped on the winning train, as he acquired the Hardest Hitter award.

Leyton Holoien then quickly added his name on back-to-back trophies, as he shared the Fan Choice award and the Most Valuable Defenceman award.

And finally, the organization’s goalies joined in, as Joel Favreau shared the Fan Choice award and the Most Valuable Player award.

Netminder James Venne also shared the Most Valuable Player award, which finished up the list of winners.

And while it was a nice night to celebrate, the true focus of this team wasn’t distracted upon, as the one award everyone wants to take home, is the team one.

“Ultimately, the end goal is a championship, and that’s what everyone has their eyes on, I think that’s always been our goal,” explained Tkachuk. The individual awards for me, it’s definitely not a big deal at this point, I mean, they’re nice to get obviously, but as I said, championships are the ultimate goal and that’s what I have my eyes set on and that’s what our whole team has their eyes set on. Now, it’s just about playing the right way from this point forward.”

Unfortunately for the blue and green, that will have to start this week, as they were only able to capture one of a possible four points this past weekend, which marked their final home games until the postseason.

Melfort will see two division rivals on the road in the next four days, as they visit the Bombers in Flin Flon tomorrow (Tuesday), before heading to Nipawin for a duel with the Hawks on Friday.

In a final statement, Tkachuk added everyone involved so far this season has been terrific, and if that is to continue, then they believe they can make a big wave in the 2022/23 playoffs.

“Just everyone,” he said. “The fans, the billets, my parents, the coaches, my teammates, everyone that’s been supporting our team has been greatly appreciated, not just for me, but everyone in our program and we’re looking forward to making a long playoff run.”

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8

by Ben Tompkins

Mustangs host 2022/23 awards banquet

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