Sask. Prairie Hockey League announces year-end awards

The first-ever three-time Most Valuable Forward recipient in SPHL history, McDonald has taken home the distinction through each of his first three seasons in the league, while also finishing as the Top Scorer for the second consecutive year.

Turtleford Tigers captain Austin McDonald is presented with the Dale Willick Memorial Award as the SPHL’s Top Scorer (left), and Most Valuable Forward Award (right). (Submitted photos/Carson Gray)

With another 44 points (19 goals, 25 assists) in just 16 games this season, McDonald said it’s always special to be recognized, with the team’s success as a group playing a large part.

“I’m definitely honoured to receive these awards and to be recognized by the league again,” McDonald said. “It’s been a good run the last couple of years for me personally and for our team as the Tigers, as well.

“I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, and our great coaching staff, and our passionate fanbase in Turtleford. Not only do they fill the stands in Turtleford but all of our road games too, we usually have a really good turnout and there’s a lot that goes into it.”

McDonald’s 44 points were 22 more than his next closest teammate.

Zane Florence (Meota Combines) – Top Defenceman

In just his first season of SPHL play, Zane Florence took home Top Defenceman honours, finishing the year first amongst blue liners and fifth overall in league scoring, with 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) in 12 games.

Zane Florence is presented with the Top Defenseman Award. (Submitted photo/David George)

Playing big minutes for the defending champion Combines on their way to the 2024 championship, Florence said winning Top Defenceman just serves as the cherry on top of a rookie year to remember in the senior hockey ranks.

“It was a fun year and a fun group of guys, and just to play on that team and do well is a pretty good experience,” Florence said. “I made a lot of memories and friends I’ll have for a long time, and just to [win a championship] with that group of guys, they’ve done it many times and they know what it’s like when they get to the playoffs. We were down at times and just held the course and we were able to come out on top.”

Zack Riemer (Radisson Wheatkings) – Top Goaltender

Riemer becomes just the third player in SPHL history to win Top Goaltender in consecutive years, and the first since Kristian Sawyshyn of the Hafford Hawks did so back in 2017 and 2018.

Zack Riemer receives the Most Valuable Goalie Award. (Submitted photo/David George)

Despite missing the first two games of the season due to injury, Riemer still finished second in games started (10) and total minutes played (611), while his 3.44 goals against average was also amongst the top at the position for a Radisson team that scored the third-fewest goals this season, but also finished with the fourth-fewest allowed.

“This year was definitely an improvement defensively,” Riemer said, reflecting on the year. “In the past we’ve been a bit more offensive, but this year we were definitely a lot more defensive than normal which is always nice for a goalie.

“It’s definitely nice to be recognized again and it’s something that’s nice to receive, but at the end of the day, I’d way rather have a championship than just a personal trophy, so next year we’re hoping for the big one.”

Jake McMillen (Meota Combines) – Playoff MVP

McMillen took home the league’s lone post-season award, as Playoff MVP as the defending league champion, Meota Combines defended their crown.

In 10 playoff games, McMillen finished with a 18 points (10 goals, eight assists), headlined by an incredible six goals and nine points over the team’s final three games of the finals against Glaslyn, to clinch the league championship.

Combines’ forward Jake McMillen (right), pictured alongside linemates Michael Pylypow (middle), and Jayden Nachtegaele (left), following the team’s championship win. (Submitted photos/Jake McMillen)

McMillen said it’s special to be recognized on a team full of deserving candidates.

“It meant a lot, [but] to be honest, I wasn’t totally expecting it,” McMillen said of the win. “Nighter (Jayden Nachtegaele) had a really great playoff run as well and it was awesome being on his line as we really meshed well and he for sure could have taken it home.

“Cam [Taylor], our goalie, again stood on his head, and they could have easy given it to him; and then it’s no surprise our D-core has won D-man of the Year I think the last three years. That makes it a lot easier to get those goals and points with the great group we’ve got here , so we’re going to try to go for it again next year.”

Jayden Nachtegaele (Meota Combines) – Most Sportsmanlike

Nachtegaele, who suited up alongside McMillen on the Combines’ top line, was recognized as the league’s Most Sportsmanlike player, for combining a high-level of play with good sportsmanship.

Jayden Nachtegaele receives the Most Sportsmanlike Award. (Submitted photo/David George)

Nachtegaele led the Combines, and finished third overall in scoring during the regular season, with 31 points (nine goals, 22 assists) in 14 games, before adding another 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) in 10 games in the playoffs.

He becomes just the second Combines player to win the award, joining Kyle Gregoire in 2022.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1

by Martin Martinson

Sask. Prairie Hockey League announces year-end awards

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