(Graphic courtesy/SJHL, Facebook)

By Ben Tompkins

SJHL Players of the Week

Several northeast players win SJHL’s first weekly awards of 2023/24 season

Sep 26, 2023 | 1:35 PM

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) season began less than a week ago, however, a handful of local players are already being recognized for their contributions on the ice.

After the first weekend of the season, only two undefeated teams remain; the Melfort Mustangs and the Humboldt Broncos.

Two players from each team played so well in their club’s opening games that they have walked away with the league’s first rendition of the Player of the Week awards for the 2023/24 season.

SGEU MVP of the Week: Aidyn Hutchinson, Melfort Mustangs

The 20-year-old from St. Albert, Alberta may have only had one assist in the organization’s home opener, a dominating 8-4 win over the La Ronge Ice Wolves, however, he was the first star of the game the following night in Flin Flon, deservedly so.

Humboldt mayoral candidate

Rob Muench hopes experience as mayor, councillor entices voters in Humboldt mayoral race

20h ago

Nipawin mayoral candidate

Skowronski seeking to improve crime and homelessness in Nipawin mayoral run

22h ago

Municipal election forum

Melfort Trade Alliance Chamber of Commerce hosting municipal candidate forum

Nov 05, 2024

The second-year Stang and newly minted assistant captain had an assist on the game-tying goal early in the third period, before burying the Bombers just 15 seconds into overtime on a beautiful forehand to backhand finish, securing a 2-1 OT victory at the Whitney Forum.

(Graphic courtesy/SJHL, Facebook)

(Weekly Stats 2GP, 1G-2A, 3PTS)

Saskatchewan Player of the Week: Zac Somers, Melfort Mustangs (from Melfort, Sask.)

While the 19-year-old hometown product missed the Mustangs’ entire preseason, he made sure to not miss any regular season games and came out looking like he was in midseason form.

A third-year veteran of the Blue and Green, the University of Maine commit had one goal in the group’s first game, before setting up his teammates perfectly on night two, as he was the primary assister both times they found the back of the net.

(Weekly Stats 2GP, 1G-2A, 3PTS)

Bourgeault Forward of the Week: Matthew Van Blaricom, Humboldt Broncos

One of only two players in the league so far to reach the four-point mark, alongside his rookie teammate, Marik Mamic, the 17-year-old started the season with a bang.

In a home-and-home sweep of the Notre Dame Hounds, the Michigan Tech NCAA Div 1 commit found the back of the net on Saturday’s home opener, before pouring on a goal and two assists Saturday afternoon in Wilcox.

(Graphic courtesy/SJHL, Facebook)

(Weekly Stats 2GP, 2G-2A, 4PTS)

SuperU Defenceman of the Week: Tristan Sarrao, Humboldt Broncos

The lone blue liner of the weekly winners had an impressive start to his campaign, matching his point total from last season in 25 fewer contests.

The 19-year-old defenceman had a three-point night in game two, putting up a goal and two assists.

The Calgary, Alberta product also played solid defensively in his team’s first match.

(Graphic courtesy/SJHL, Facebook)

(Weekly Stats 2GP, 1G-2A, 3PTS)

–

Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8