Today the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League announced the finalists for its year-end individual awards, and the Yorkton Terriers are well represented across several categories.
First up, Gabriel Courchesne has been nominated for both the SGEU Most Valuable Player and Bourgault Forward of the Year awards. The Drummondville, QC product has lit the league on fire in his first season as a Terrier. He currently leads the league in points with 76 and assists with 45, while sitting second in goals with 32.
One of his linemates is also receiving recognition, as Jye Zawatsky has been named a finalist for the Canterra Seeds Saskatchewan Player of the Year award. The Yorkton native is enjoying a career season, setting new personal bests in goals (26), assists (43), and points (69).
Next up is Cash Lanigan, who has been named a finalist for Sask Milk Rookie of the Year. The Regina product does a bit of everything for the Terriers, playing in every situation for the orange and black while quickly becoming a fan favourite in the Parkland Region. The 17-year-old leads all rookies in scoring with 47 points and brings the kind of hard-nosed compete level that shines even brighter come playoff time.
On the defensive side of the game, Thomas Ries is a finalist for SuperU Defenceman of the Year. The Humboldt native leads by example, sacrificing his body nightly and doing whatever it takes to help his team win. Ries leads all SJHL defencemen in goals with 16 and is tied for the league lead in points among blueliners with 47.
Finally, it’s only fitting to finish with the last line of defence. Callum Creig has been named a finalist for SaskTel Goaltender of the Year. The SJHL’s wins leader has enjoyed an outstanding season in the crease, recently moving into the top 10 in both wins and shutouts in Terriers franchise history. His steady presence between the pipes has been a major reason for Yorkton’s success this season.
The winners of the SJHL’s year-end awards will be announced on March 18.
