Ben Tkachuk. (Photo courtesy/Broad Leaf Media)

By Ben Tompkins

SJHL Awards

Tkachuk, Venne take home SJHL players of the week

Jan 31, 2023 | 12:11 PM

The Melfort Mustangs had an impressive 3-0 stretch, this past week, earning all of a possible six points.

Those winning ways didn’t come without some incredible performances from some of the Stangs’ best.

Captain Ben Tkachuk and netminder James Venne were each recognized for their play, winning the SJHL’s MVP of the Week and Goalie of the Week.

SGEU MVP of the Week

Tkachuk, the 20-year-old forward, had a point in every game, including a big four-point performance on Tuesday against the Flin Flon Bombers, where he had two goals and two assists.

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The Gronlid product also had an assist against Weyburn on the road Friday, while following that up with three points against the visiting Humboldt Broncos on Saturday.

Despite missing 11 games this season, Tkachuk is 10th in league scoring with nine goals and 34 assists and is representing the SJHL in Winnipeg this week at the SJHL/MJHL Showcase.

Weekly Stats (3GP, 3g-5a, 8 PTS)

(Graphic courtesy/Melfort Mustangs, Facebook)

Sasktel Goalie of the Week

Meanwhile, Venne also played a part in every game, with Joel Favreau out of the lineup.

Venne was busy, to say the least, as he faced 105 shots in just over 180 minutes of action.

The 2004-born goaltender backstopped his team to three consecutive victories, posting a .924 save percentage and a 2.65 goals-against average.

The Saskatoon, product, now boasts a 14-6-1-1 record on the year, with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage.

He is also representing the green at gold at the Showcase in Winnipeg, as part of the SJHL’s U18 team.

Weekly Stats (3GP, 3-0-0-0, 2.65 GAA, .924 SV%)

(Graphic courtesy/Melfort Mustangs, Facebook)

Showcase

The Mustangs now won’t play until this Saturday in Battlefords, as the SJHL takes a quick break, with the Showcase running today and tomorrow.

Alongside Tkachuk and Venne in Winnipeg will be eight other Melfort players, and their head coach, Trevor Blevins.

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8