OCN Blizzard’s Brady Keeper is the recipient of two major MJHL awards: MVP and top defenceman, Commissioner Kim Davis announced today.
The league also announced the winners of the remaining four major awards and all-star teams.
“Every player should be commended for their outstanding performance over the regular season,” said Davis. “Coaches of the league vote and make the selections. These selections are extremely difficult to make. The talent level in our league continues to improve yearly. The selection of our award winners and all-stars is a time-consuming and difficult process.”
Steve “Boomer” Hawrysh MVP Award
Brady Keeper, 20, hails from Cross Lake and has committed to University of Maine for next season. In 44 games, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound D-man has scored 22 goals and recorded 45 points.
Rookie of the Year – Vince Leah Trophy
Cole Weaver, Winkler Flyers. The rookie goaltender from Champin Park, MN, has enjoyed an outstanding freshman season. He currently owns a 24-11 record with a .909 save percentage. At 6-foot-2, he takes up a lot of net, making it very difficult for opposition shooters. As you can guess, his favourite player is a goaltender: Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens.
Hockey Ability – Lorne “Windy” Lyndon Trophy
Jeremey Leipsic, Portage Terriers. The native of Winnipeg currently leads the MJHL scoring race, and is hoping to add that award to his accomplishments. He currently has 93 points (30-63) in 55 games. At 5-foot-8, Leipsic is highly skilled and can make plays at a high speed. Leipsic, 19, is hoping to earn a college scholarship. His older brother, Brendan, plays with the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
Top Goaltender
Roman Bengert, Steinbach Pistons. The native of Cole Harbour, NS, leads the MJHL in three goaltending categories: wins (34), minutes played (2,439) and shutouts (five). At 6-foot-3, Bengert has proven to be extremely difficult to beat. Bengert recently committed to Lake Superior State.
Top Defenceman – Brian Kozak Trophy
Brady Keeper, OCN Blizzard
Coach of the Year – Portage Terriers “ Muzz McPherson” Award
Paul Dyck, Steinbach Pistons. Currently, the Pistons have only eight losses this season and have been nationally ranked No. 1 several times by the CJHL. Dyck, a former draft of the Pittsburgh Penguins, was head coach when the Pistons won the MJHL in 2013. Under Dyck’s tutelage, the Pistons have appeared in the last two MJHL championships.
1st All Star Team
|
Goal |
Roman Bengert |
Steinbach Pistons |
|
Defence |
Lawson McDonald |
Winkler Flyers |
|
Defence |
Brady Keeper |
OCN Blizzard |
|
Forward |
Jeremey Leipsic |
Portage Terriers |
|
Forward |
Brandon Stanley |
Wayway Wolverines |
|
Forward |
MacKenzie Graham |
Steinbach Pistons |
2nd All Star Team
|
Goal |
Cole Weaver |
Winkler Flyers |
|
Defence |
Tyler Anderson |
Steinbach Pistons |
|
Defence |
Tyler Jubenvill |
Winkler Flyers |
|
Forward |
Chase Brakel |
Portage Terriers |
|
Forward |
Scott Gall |
Winkler Flyers |
|
Forward |
Jake Dudar |
Selkirk Steelers |
Rookie All Star Team
|
Goal |
Cole Weaver |
Winkler Flyers |
|
Defence |
Layne Toder |
Portage Terriers |
|
Defence |
Sam Stewart |
Neepawa Natives |
|
Forward |
Will Koop |
Steinbach Pistons |
|
Forward |
Riese Gaber |
Dauphin Kings |
|
Forward |
Dallas Tulik |
Winnipeg Blues |
Each all-star winner will receive their award at their home rink over the next two weeks. The MJHL’s top scorer, who will be decided upon season’s end, will receive the Mike Ridley Trophy, named after the prolific goal scorer who starred with the St. Boniface Saints.
