Forward of the Month – Jacob Lamoureux, Red Lake Miners
Last month’s rookie of the month has elevated himself to forward of the month in the SIJHL. Lamoureux continues to play at a high level while leading the Miners attack. The premier goal scorer in the league averaged a goal per game throughout the month with 9 tallies. Lamoureux scored a goal in 8 of the nine games he played and added 4 assists giving him an average of 1.44 points per game. Lamoureux also showed up on special teams with 3 powerplay markers. The ‘04 posted 3 more goals than any player in the league and looks to have the skill and potential to rack up more hardware before the year ends, and for November he collects forward of the month.
Honorable Mention – Jeremy Dunmore, Kam River Fighting Walleye; Colby Feist, Thunder Bay North Stars
October Winner – Bryce Benfield, Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Defencemen of the Month – Nolan Palmer, Sioux Lookout Bombers
Palmer’s steady play on the blue line was a major reason the Bombers were able to secure a 5-3 record in the month despite having the toughest schedule. Palmer was over a point per game with 8 in 7 contests. The lone game Palmer didn’t play in this month was the one with the most goals allowed for the Bombers, 6 against Kam River. Palmer makes the team much better and strengthens the defensive zone while still providing major contributions on the offensive end. Palmer played a very clean brand of hockey, despite playing significant minutes he had only 2 penalty minutes the entire month, something not many junior hockey players could accomplish. Playing a clean game at a high level on both ends secures Palmer the defenceman of the month award.
Honorable Mention – Jack Cook, Kam River Fighting Walleye; Zach Carson, Wisconsin Lumberjacks
October Winner – Dylan Jouppi, Wisconsin Lumberjacks
Goalie of the Month – Eric Vanska, Kam River Fighting Walleye
It was a great month for the man between the pipes of the league’s top team. Vanska bounced back from a slow October to be undefeated in November. In addition to his 5-0 record Vanska also posted a league best goals against average of 2.36 and save percentage of .928. Vanska was able to add a shut out to his stat line which is also tied for the league best. The Fighting Walleye netminder also impressed in areas that don’t show up on a scoresheet. He was a stable presence turning in consistent performances for a team that had some turmoil. In addition to traditional roster moves the Fighting Walleye also played with 3 different coaches on the bench. Vanska was in between the pipes for at least one game with all 3 of the coaches and was able to stay undefeated. Vanska is a mainstay in the net and helps his team stay at the top of the league leading to his goaltender of the month award.
Honorable Mention – Jack Osmond, Red Lake Miners; Brenden Stroble, Fort Frances Lakers
October Winner – Jack Osmond, Red Lake Miners
Rookie of the Month – Aiden Corbett, Red Lake Miners
Linemate of our forward of the month Corbett was just as present on the scoresheet. Corbett averaged 1.45 points per game in 11 games played. Corbett did most of his damage through sharing the puck as he racked up 13 assists to his 3 goals. Lamoureux got the nod for forward of the month due to the amount of goals he scores, but an argument could be made that Corbett is just as important to the Miners success. Corbett was the model of consistency securing a 9 game point streak in the month while only having one game where he didn’t appear on the scoresheet. After winning the league last year the Miners have reloaded with great young talent and Corbett will be a big part of that nucleus moving forward as he wins rookie of the month in November.
Honorable Mention – Max Leduc, Kam River Fighting Walleye; Kyle Schectel, Red Lake Miners
October Winner- Jacob Lamoureux, Red Lake Miners