SWHL awards announced

By Phil Heilman

The Sask West Hockey League (SWHL) announced their award winners on Wednesday, February 7th and some very deserving players and executives took home some hardware.

The Top Defenceman award went to Derek Keller of the Wilkie Outlaws, while his teammate, Brock Harrison, won League MVP and the Top Scorer. Jeremy Boyer of the Hafford Hawks took home the Most Gentlemanly trophy.  Macklin Mohawks captain Cody McKinnon won the Best Defensive Forward award, while Wyatt Versluis received the Rookie of the Year honours. Wyatt’s coaches, Colter Zarubiak and Kyle Laturnus, are sharing the Coach of the Year trophy. Edam 3 stars backstop Taryn Kotchorek was awarded the Top Goaltender.

The All-Star teams were also announced. Brett Boehm and Harrison of the Outlaws, along with Boyer of the Hawks highlight the forwards, while Derek Keller (Outlaws), and Jordan Fransoo (3 Stars) were voted to the team as defenseman. Biggar Nationals goaltender Brett Matlock is the goaltender of the 1st team. On the 2nd team, Jonathon Redlich (Nationals), Jordan Braid (Hawks) and Ryan Keller (Outlaws) were voted as forwards, while Tyler Baier (Mohawks) and Will Rathje (Outlaws) highlight the defense. Kindersley Sr Klippers goaltender Logan Drackett round things out.

No award was handed out, but an opportunity must be taken to highlight the work of Edam 3 Stars trainer Bob Clarke. He has spent the last 11 years running the door and even the Zamboni at the Edam Arena for the 2019/2020 and 2021/2022 seasons. Bob’s time as trainer was split between the North Saskatchewan River Hockey League, the Sask Prairie Hockey League and the Sask West Hockey League. We salute your contributions and wish to continue seeing you driving bus for many years to come.