By Tanner Schafer
Forward of the Month – Max Roby, Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Roby picked up right where he left off after a great season last year scoring 15 points in 10 games this month. Roby was dangerous with the puck on his stick at all times as 15 of those points were goals, a number which led the SIJHL. The Dryden forward had at least 1 point in all but 1 game and at least 1 goal in all but 2. He also showcased the ability to be a volume scorer with a hat trick against Thunder Bay on the 7th. Roby’s top scoring marks were good enough for Forward of the Month
Honorable Mention: Ryan Doucette, Kam River Fighting Walleye; EJ Paddington, Thunder Bay North Stars
Defenceman of the Month – Nolan Palmer, Sioux Lookout Bombers
Another SIJHL returnee from last year Palmer has now picked up his first hardware of the young season. Palmer is a mainstay on the blue line for the Bombers contributing heavily in both even strength play and special teams. Palmer contributes on both ends scoring over a point per game with 3 goals and 7 assists in 9 games in October. Palmer is also a secure presence on the back end helping to lock down the defensive zone and often starting the puck up the ice. If he keeps up this level it won’t be the last time we see his name in these players of the month articles.
Honorable Mention: Brydon Bell, Kam River Fighting Walleye; Geoff Bjarnason, Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Goalie of the Month – Keenan Marks, Thunder Bay North Stars
Marks started the month slowly giving up 4 goals to Dryden in his first appearance but never looked back and rode a hot hand to goalie of the month. Marks followed his first performance with a 38 save shutout against Red Lake and only allowed 2 goals per game in his final contests against Fort Frances and 2 against Sioux Lookout. Marks played a big role in the North Stars 3 game sweep over the then 1st place Bombers. His final numbers on the month were 4-1 with a save percentage of .943 and a goals against average of just 2.02
Honorable mention: Ashton Sadauskas, Kam River Fighting Walleye; Ewan Soutar, Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Rookie of the Month – Carter Poddubny, Kam River Fighting Walleye
The 07 forward was able to fill up the stat sheet on the way to winning this award. Poddubny has 8 goals in as many games and added 3 assists to average well over a point per game. Despite being one of the youngest players in the league Poddubny shows no fear with the puck on his stick and is always willing to let it fly. The young forward headlined his month with a 4 goal performance on the 20th against Kenora. The performance helped Poddubny separate himself as the league’s Rookie of the Month.
Honorable Mention: Connor Corcoran, Wisconsin Lumberjacks; Easton Mikus, Thunder Bay North Stars