(Submitted photo/Melfort Mustangs, Broad Leaf Media)

By Ben Tompkins

Award Winner

Ashe becomes first Mustang to win SJHL Rookie of the Year

Mar 10, 2023 | 5:26 PM

Melfort Mustangs forward Riley Ashe has won the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s (SJHL) Rookie of the Year award for the 2022-23 season.

With this accomplishment, Ashe becomes the first player in the 35-year history of the Mustangs organization (began in 1988-89), to take home this trophy.

“First off, I was just honoured and very proud of myself and lots of my team were proud of me for being even nominated, but to win it, it’s just a great feeling to put in all that work over the year with your coaches and your teammates and feels great to win it,” Ashe told northeastNOW.

“I didn’t know no one had won it up until me but hopefully, we can keep that going for the next few years. That’d be great if we can create a line of top rookies.”

The 2006-born Warman product came into the league as one of just a handful of 16-year-olds, however, one would never tell by the skill and demeanour he has on the ice.

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Through 54 games this season, Ashe has scored eight goals and notched 30 assists, good for 38 points.

“I knew coming to the SJHL, it was my type of league, with the smarts and the skill everybody has, I was up there with them and I could succeed,” he added. “Playing the way I did, I knew I could do it, but I’m very proud and kind of surprised that I did as well as I did.”

His 38 points currently rank top-five in the league, among rookies, while his 30 helpers rank first. He also collected three game-winning-goals and eight powerplay assists, which are both tied for second among first-year players.

“None of that would have been even possible without my teammates and coaches,” Ashe explained. “I had a great line this year and I probably played most of the guys on the roster, so it feels great because of the work that we all put in together. As much as it’s viewed as an individual award, my teammates and coaches pushed me and challenged me, giving me that opportunity to succeed.”

This marks another great milestone in Ashe’s young career, especially in the past 12 months.

In the last year, Ashe was drafted by both the Prince George Cougars (WHL) and the Stangs, has committed to playing NCAA D1 hockey, is a Rookie of the Year winner, and is a key contributor to a CANTERRA SEEDS Cup contender.

“I did not expect to be where I am right now, last year,” he mentioned. “To where I am now, winning rookie of the year, it’s just an unbelievable feeling.”

And the University of Nebraska-Omaha commit said his team is now completely focused on the postseason, as the only awards left up for grabs are championships, the only thing that’s mattered all year.

“All the focus is on the team now, I think everyone is all pulling on the same rope,” Ashe concluded. “We know what we want to do and we know what we can do, so everyone’s attention is on the end goal of winning a championship.”

Melfort will play their final regular season game, tonight (Friday) in Nipawin, against the Hawks.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8