By Clark Stork

Morrison, Thompson headline Mustang award winners

Mar 5, 2018 | 9:00 AM

Melfort captain Andrew Thompson and star defenseman Loch Morrison were the big winners during the Mustangs’ award banquet Sunday.

Thompson, 21, is in his third season in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and second with the Mustangs after playing his rookie season with the Humboldt Broncos. Thompson took home the most popular player award, hardest-working player, and the Kyle Johnson memorial award. He said winning a trio of honours was a special feeling.

“It’s phenomenal,” Thompson said. “It means so much and I appreciate everything I accomplished this season. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, so I appreciate everything they’ve done as well.”

The Mustangs’ leader was also recognized among the nine graduating players by head coach Trevor Blevins. The Mustangs’ coach acknowledged each 20-year-old player with accolades for their time involved in the organization. Thompson said the praise he received for his on-ice and dressing room attributes was great to hear.

“The words Trevor said were extremely kind,” he said. “It was priceless, and I can’t put the feeling into words.”

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Prince Albert product Loch Morrsion was the biggest winner of the evening, collecting five different awards. The former Western Hockey League defenseman spilt the most dedicated player award with goaltender Evan Plotnik. Morrison also won top scorer, the three-star award, most valuable defenseman, and most valuable player. Morrison said his decision to finish his junior career in Melfort was a positive choice.

“Trevor and Assistant Coach Dan Meyers gave me an opportunity, and made it fun to come to the rink every day,” he said. “That had a big impact on my performance.”

Morrison led the way offensively for the team, collecting 19 goals and 47 points for 66 points, second to Nipawin’s Josh McDougall for defensemen and eighth overall in the SJHL. The Mustangs have seen some talented defenseman play for the team, including David Heath, Eric Sinclair, and National Hockey League veteran Willie Mitchell. Morrison said to be acknowledged among that group is special to him.

“There’s been a lot of great players to come through this organization. It’s an honour to be mentioned among them,” he said.

In addition to sharing the most dedicated player award with Morrison, Plotnik also accepted the community involvement award. Star City product Boedy Donald was given the scholastic achievement award and crunch award for most hits. Kinistino’s Tristen Elder received the hardest hitter award and fan’s choice award. Adam Hergott was the top plus/minus award winner and top defensive defenseman. Rookie of the year was Pleasantdale’s Hunter Arps, and the top defensive forward winner was Carson Albrecht.

The Joel Dennis memorial trophy recipient was Rock Ruschkowski. Tanner Zentner won the most spirited player award and Colin Schmidt was named most improved player.

The Mustangs conclude their regular season schedule Tuesday when they travel to Flin Flon. The team will open the playoffs March 16 in Melfort against the Broncos.

clark.stork@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ClarkStork