MUSINGS FROM THE TWO SJHL GAMES OF THE WEEK

Jay Boyd and I were in North Battleford last night (vs. Yorkton) and Melville tonight (vs. Estevan).
Watching the SJHL playoffs last year, I knew Blake Tatchell was headed for big things.  After watching him last night against Yorkton, I'm more convinced than ever. 

The Battlefords North Stars may have gotten off to a rough start, but they have righted the ship and are going to be a very tough team to play from here on out.  Graham Hildebrand, if he can stay healthy, will be one of the top five goalies in the league and that will make all the difference.

Robbie Ciolfi and Clarke Breitkreuz are the best 1-2 punch the Yorkton Terriers have had since Chris Korchinski and Jason Wagar.  In fact, they might be the best combo in the entire SJHL right now.

Remember that really deep Yorkton defense?  It's not so deep anymore with Drew McDermott retired to go snow boarding, Clark Byczynski gone to Swan Valley in a trade, Austin Bourhis and John Neibrandt playing in the Western Hockey League, and injuries to Kurtis Decker and Devon McMullen.

Full marks to Zach Rakochy tonight, who really fought the puck in the first period before settling in and playing a solid game against the Estevan Bruins.

Lucas Froese is a keeper.  A real nice young man and a talented hockey player.  I see future captain material here for the Melville left winger.

Godric Tham got hurt tonight (knee).  It didn't look good, but hopefully looks are deceiving in this case.  I have been impressed with him.

Troy Hunter is an excellent hockey player.

Some personal top fives so far from our SJHL Games Of The Week:

I have yet to see Humboldt, so their players are omitted based on that!

There are some others I haven't seen yet either (Notre Dame, Flin Flon)

MOST EXCITING PLAYERS
1-Robbie Ciolfi, Yorkton
2-Drew George, Weyburn
3-Clarke Breitkreuz, Yorkton
4-Sanfred King, Kindersley
5-Blake Tatchell, Battlefords

BEST ROOKIES
1-Zak Majkowski, Yorkton
2-Devon McMullen, Yorkton
3-Eli Lichtenwald, Nipawin
4-Coltyn Sanderson, Weyburn
5-Ryan Whitell, Weyburn

TOP GOALIES
1-Brody Hoffman, Nipawin
2-Graham Hildebrand, Battlefords
3-Charles Corsi, Melfort
4-Joel Danyluk, Estevan
5-Devin Peters, Yorkton

TOP DEFENSEMEN
1-Woody Klassen, Battlefords
2-Johnathan Sonntag, Kindersley
3-Joel Kot, Estevan
4-Blaine Tendler, Yorkton
5-Tyson Newell, Melville

MOST UNDERRATED
1-Adam Wihak, Melfort
2-Ty Ariss, Estevan
3-Nolan Souchotte, La Ronge
4-Dylan Coupal, Weyburn
5-Kyle Johnson, Estevan