SWHL Stars of the Month for January
By Phil Heilman
Each month, the Sask West Hockey League (SWHL) aims to highlight outstanding performances by players in the league, whether they are the usual high scorers or the unsung heroes.
Third Star: Connor Neave; Hafford Hawks. Connor went on a heater this month, being one of a few sparkplugs for the Hawks in their trek to first place. In 5 games, he amassed 11 points (6-5).
Second Star: Taryn Kotchorek; Edam 3 Stars. Taryn and his teammates had a tough January schedule, but he shone very bright. He had a 4-1-1 record, with a 2.17 GAA and a sparkling .940 Save percentage. Big wins against Wilkie, Macklin and a shootout loss to Kindersley secured them home ice advantage.
First Star: Brandon Lesko; Hafford Hawks. Despite missing a couple games this month, Lesko lit it up, scoring 11 points (6-5) in just 3 games in the month. He was a big part in the Hawks 6-0 record to propel them to first.
Honourable Mentions: Jeremy Boyer, Hafford Hawks. Rick Cey, Wilkie Outlaws. Brett Novak, Biggar Nationals. Jaxon Georget, Kindersley Sr Klippers.
Bill Cey Memorial Award winner chosen
Joe Cey, chairperson for the committee, along with local brothers, announced that Derek Argue has been named the recipient of the award.
Given out to the hardest working local player, an attribute adored by Bill and echoed by his family, was established in 2023 and will be an annual award for the Sask West Hockey League until 2033. Previous winners were Mitch Wall of the Edam 3 Stars and Rick Cey of the Wilkie Outlaws.
The following excerpt is from Derek’s nomination paper.
Biggar is nominating Derek Argue for the Bill Cey memorial award. He is our captain, practice coach, fundraising organizer, board member and the heart and soul of the Biggar Nationals. Without Derek there would be no Biggar Nationals. Derek is highly respected throughout the community and beyond. He has been pivotal in helping restore and to develop our minor sports programs in Biggar. He has the respect of every player and offers his time unselfishly to help with personal issues or improving their game. He leads by example and work ethic for his teammates to model after, rarely missing a game. He also organizes practices, runs the group chat room, lines up transportation, and still volunteers his time generously throughout the community. He is a member of the local rec board, coaches our high school football team, coaches a U9 hockey team and runs our slow pitch ball tournament in the summer. Derek is positive and fair to everyone and rarely complains or points fault. He is a true ambassador for the Sask West Hockey League and is well known by many of the players from other teams. Biggar is lucky to have such a dedicated individual as Derek Argue. It is indeed an honor to work with him and he truly deserves recognition as he is a class act.