September 2023 | The Manitoba Junior Hockey League is pleased to announce the monthly players awards supported by RBC, SAFE Work Manitoba, Original 16, Chevrolet and Manitoba Pork:
RBC PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Josh Lehto (’04) Virden Oil Capitals
5GP | 4G | 8A | 12PTS
Heading into the month of October as the MJHL’s leading scorer, second-year forward, Josh Lehto has had a strong start to the 2023-24 season. Lehto registered at least one point during each game in September, including two, 3-point outings and one, 4-point night during a 7-3 victory over the Titans.
Photo Credit: Jonathan Kozub
SAFE WORK MANITOBA DEFENSEMAN OF THE MONTH
Naaman Hofer (’04) Dauphin Kings
3GP | 2G | 2A | 4PTS
Acquired from the Winnipeg Freeze in the off-season, Naaman Hofer has fit in seamlessly on the Kings back end. The 19-year-old is tied for the league lead in scoring amongst defenseman and registered at least one point in all three games during September where the Kings went 3-0 to open the season.
Photo Credit: Todd Pederson
ORIGINAL 16 GOALTENDER OF THE MONTH
Cole Sheffield (’04) Dauphin Kings
3GP | 3W | 1.66GAA | .928SV% |
Cole Sheffield has kicked off the 2023-24 season with a strong start in the Kings crease, earning wins in three straight games to start the year. After kicking aside 24/25 shots in their opener, Sheffield stopped 20/21 shots in a close 2-1 road win over the Blizzard. The London, Ontario, native also made a number of key saves in the Kings comeback overtime victory against the Terriers last Friday.
Photo Credit: Todd Pederson
CHEVROLET ROOKIE OF THE MONTH
Luke MacKenzie (’06) Virden Oil Capitals
5GP | 2G | 2A | 4PTS
Luke MacKenzie opened the 2023-24 season by announcing his commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey for Canisius University. The 2006-born forward scored his first MJHL goal and added two assists in a win over the Titans. MacKenzie would add another goal to his tally with an impressive shot from the top of the circle in a overtime loss to the Wolverines.
Photo credit: Brandi Crowe
MANITOBA PORK PEAK PERFOMER
Kirk Mullen (’03) Steinbach Pistons
4GP | 5G | 2A | 7PTS
Kirk Mullen picked up where he left off from last season and stormed out of the gate to kick off 2023-24. The Turnbull Cup champion added a pair of goals in back-to-back games on opening weekend, before adding a pair of assists in the Pistons third win of the young season. Mullen would add another goal in a tight loss to the Flyers.
Photo Credit: Scott Stroh
