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SJHL: Two Games – 21 Players Evaluated

December 16th 2025 – Weyburn Red Wings (3) @ Yorkton Terriers (7)

An energetic, high-scoring game saw Yorkton open up a lead in the second, then thwart Weyburn’s third-period comeback attempt. Special teams were a key factor in the contest, with Yorkton scoring on two of their three man-advantage opportunities, while Weyburn converted on just one of their five power plays.

Weyburn Red Wings

Roan Burgess #28 (F, R, 6’0″, 170, Weyburn Red Wings, 02/18/2007) – Roan Burgess is a skilled forward and frequent contributor to the Red Wings’ offence. He moves well with a smooth, fluid stride, complemented by balance and agility in his crossovers. With the puck, Burgess demonstrated intelligent offensive instincts, with an ability to get shots through on net with appropriate shot selection in most offensive situations. He opened the scoring on the power play early in the first with a quick catch-and-release wrist shot from the right circle. His second goal highlighted a different area of his offensive skillset, as he beat the defenceman to the net with an inside-outside drag move before powering towards the net on the backhand, then slid the puck through the five-hole. In multiple offensive situations, Burgess exhibited strength in protecting the puck, as well as a willingness to drive the centre lane and attack north with speed. Additionally, at times he brought an element of physicality in puck battles and utilised his frame well to win and protect the puck. To play at the next level, Burgess will look to improve consistency in defending and checking. On the second Yorkton goal, he began the sequence in good position and was a stick length away from the eventual goal scorer. Yet, he was beaten to the net and did not engage fully when checking the opposing goal scorer. Overall, Burgess’ strong shot and intelligent offensive instincts enabled him to make an impact for the Red Wings’ offence. Grade: B

Josh Karman #20 (D, L, 6’0″, 170, Weyburn Red Wings, 08/03/2005) – Josh Karman is a mobile, reliable defenceman who made contributions on both sides of the puck. He skates from a strong base, complemented by a smooth, efficient stride and balanced edges. With the puck on his stick, Karman regularly made hard, accurate passes. He also got shots through to the net, particularly on the power play, with appropriate shot selection in most offensive situations. Karman exhibited composure and poise when defending and maintained sound defensive position most of the time. In a defensive zone sequence early in the second, Karman made a quick area pass in transition to a supporting forward in the circle. After a turnover, Karman reacted quickly, recovered back towards the net, then blocked the cross-slot pass and moved the puck safely up ice. This quick defensive recovery prevented a grade-A scoring opportunity at a key moment in the game. To play at the next level, Karman will look to improve consistency in the checking part of his defensive game. Overall, Josh Karman played an important role on the Weyburn blue line and contributed in all phases. Grade: B

Callas Pierce #16 (F, L, 5’11”, 175, Weyburn Red Wings, 06/11/2006) – Callas Pierce is an agile, elusive forward with a strong shot and intelligent offensive instincts. He skates from a strong base, complemented by a smooth, efficient stride and balanced edges. Throughout the game, Pierce demonstrated a high level of offensive instincts and a well-rounded skill set with the puck on his stick. In a sequence in the first, he intercepted an outlet pass, skated to open space, and his shot to the high glove side was stopped by the goaltender. Later, early in the second, Pierce generated another quality scoring chance. He collected the puck at his own blue line, accelerated north with possession, and beat three Yorkton defenders to the net before his shot in tight was closed off by the goaltender. Throughout the game, Pierce found open space in the offensive zone and utilized his skill set to generate scoring chances. Early in the third period, off an exchange through the high slot, Pierce opened to face the puck carrier, found an open pocket of space, and quickly released a one-time shot over the goaltender’s shoulder for the second Weyburn goal of the game. In defensive situations, Pierce maintained sound positioning and made appropriate stick and body checks most of the time. To play at the next level, Pierce will look to improve consistency on the defensive side of the puck. Overall, Pierce’s instincts, puck handling, and shot made him an impact player for the Red Wings’ offence. Grade: B+

Josh Sale #9 (F, L, 6’2″, 190, Weyburn Red Wings, 08/19/2005) – Josh Sale is a versatile, agile forward who plays an honest two hundred-foot game and made an impact in many key situations for Weyburn. He possesses adequate skating fundamentals, complemented by a smooth, efficient stride. He exhibited strength and balance on his edges, and at times showed separation speed when attacking through the neutral zone. In the offensive zone, Sale frequently got pucks around defenders to the net or into the slot area. While he did not have any ‘clean’ looks at the net this game, he showed a willingness and poise when passing or shooting the puck. With the puck on his stick, Sale seldom forced a low-percentage play, and instead waited for passing and shot lanes to open. In defensive situations, Sale made appropriate stick and body checks most of the time, often utilizing his reach to close gaps and break up passes. On the penalty kill, he was effective in pressuring puck carriers out high and forcing the play wide. He maintained good position most of the time in defensive situations, and frequently used his legs to break up and kill plays. Overall, Sale’s quickness, reach, and instincts enabled him to make an impact in all phases for the Red Wings. Grade: B+

Yorkton Terriers

Evan Auld #27 (F, L, 6’1″, 191, Yorkton Terriers, 02/27/2006) – Evan Auld is an impactful forward who played an important role in generating offence for the Terriers. His two-goal performance against Weyburn led Yorkton in goals for the game, and he was one of two Terriers to record three points in the game. He possesses sound overall skating fundamentals. While he lacks separation speed, Auld exhibited strength within his frame, agility, and balanced edges. Auld plays an active role in the Yorkton offence, often utilising his size and strength to beat defenders to the net. On his first-period goal to tie the game at 1-1, Auld won the puck battle in the near corner and sent a pass behind the net to a teammate. He then tracked back towards the net front, gained inside leverage on the opposing defenceman, and jammed home the rebound opportunity through a crowd of players around the crease. This play demonstrated his strength in puck battles along the wall, as well as a willingness to drive the net and make plays with the puck through contact. Throughout the game, Auld exhibited a well-rounded offensive skillset. His second goal of the night came on the power play, as he demonstrated a quick snap shot release from the low slot. The initial pass out of the corner was not easy to handle and landed near his right foot. Instead of receiving on his backhand, Auld quickly adjusted his stick angle to receive the pass on the forehand and got a quick shot off inside the far post. This play highlighted both his quick-release ability and his strong overall skillset with puck possession. On the defensive side, Auld maintained good position most of the time and applied proper stick and body checks when appropriate. He demonstrated sound stick positioning and defensive instincts on the penalty kill. To play at the next level, Auld will look to build on his speed and consistency in his skating. Overall, Auld utilised his offensive instincts and skillset to make a positive impact for Yorkton in a high-scoring contest. Grade: B+

Mikale Budz #26 (D, L, 5’10”, 170, Yorkton Terriers, 05/03/2007) – Mikale Budz is a mobile, puck-moving defenceman who contributed on both sides of the puck for Yorkton. His skating fundamentals are there, and he exhibited balance and control in his edgework and stride. While he does not possess top-end speed or explosiveness, his skating does not inhibit his effectiveness at this level. With the puck on his stick, Budz made hard, accurate passes in transition and exhibited an ability to read defensive coverage and find open passing lanes. On his power play goal, which broke a 1-1 tie late in the first, Budz walked the blue line to the centre point and got a wrist shot on net through multiple layers of traffic. This play highlighted his quick release and ability to get shots through traffic. In defensive situations, Budz made appropriate checks and maintained appropriate gaps most of the time. To play at the next level, Budz will look to improve consistency in pinches on fifty-fifty plays, as well as his checking while defending the rush. In all, Budz’s puck-moving skillset and goal on the power play were important to the Terrier offence in a high-scoring contest. Grade: C+

Gabriel Courchesne #21 (C, L, 5’8″, 157, Yorkton Terriers, 11/23/2006) – Gabriel Courchesne is a mobile, agile forward who made contributions on both sides of the puck for Yorkton. His skating mechanics are sound. His stride is efficient, complemented by balanced edges and a quick first step. In many situations, Courchesne provided puck support both with his positioning and instincts. On a sequence midway through the second, he worked to get low in the defensive zone to support the defenceman battling for the puck in the near corner. After the initial clearing attempt failed, Courchesne followed play up the wall and made two stick checks on the opposing defenceman to regain possession. This play out of the defensive zone led to a quick transition and odd-man rush up ice, which saw Courchesne drive the centre lane and redirect a shot-pass just wide of the post. This play exemplified Courchesne’s positional support in transitioning the puck north while utilising his speed to drive the middle to generate a quality scoring chance. Away from the puck, Courchesne made appropriate checks on the puck carrier most of the time. At times, he closed passing lanes with good stick and body positioning. To play at the next level, Courchesne will look to improve consistency in decision-making with the puck while implementing increased stop-start skating in all phases. Overall, Courchesne utilised his mobility and instincts to provide quality puck support in multiple key situations. Grade: C

Callum Creig #33 (G, L, 6’2″, 179, Yorkton Terriers, 05/27/2006) – Creig stopped 34 of 37 shot attempts. Throughout the game, he consistently utilized controlled lateral movements and solid positioning to track play. In multiple instances, Creig worked to make saves through traffic and reacted quickly to puck movement and rebounds. He caught pucks cleanly and demonstrated quick hands and rebound control most of the time. The first goal against was one he’d like to have back, as he was beaten clean over the glove on a quick shot from the right circle. The second goal against was another quick shot by his glove hand, this time on a right-to-left one-timer shot. In this sequence, he maintained sound positioning on the initial puck carrier in the slot but did not react quickly enough to the one-timer shot. On the third goal against, the opposing Weyburn forward powered around the Yorkton defenseman before making a power move across the low slot. He then slid the puck through the five-hole while Creig was moving right to left. A quality scoring chance to be sure, but Creig’s lapse in sealing the lower half of the net resulted in this goal against. Besides the three goals against, Creig made some timely saves on multiple ‘grade-A’ scoring chances. While protecting a 2-1 lead early in the second, Creig went post to post and denied a dangerous cross-slot scoring chance moving right to left. Throughout the sixty minutes, Creig made quality, timely saves and gave his team a chance to win. Grade: B

Tylan Henrikson #17 (F, L, 6’2″, 200, Yorkton Terriers, 12/23/2005) – Tylan Henrikson is an agile, impactful forward who made positive contributions for the Terriers in all phases. He exhibits sound skating fundamentals, complemented by strength on his edges and quick stop-start skating ability. Where Henrikson lacks in top-end speed, he makes up for it in effort and intensity when moving his feet, particularly on the forecheck. There were multiple instances in which Henrikson brought physicality on the forecheck and finished hits when appropriate. In the defensive zone, he often applied quality stick and body checks and made a difference when killing plays along the wall. With possession, Henrikson exhibited sound offensive instincts and frequently worked to gain inside position on defenders in and around the slot. On both of his assists, he made a quick touch pass while pressured by a defender, finding a teammate in scoring position. On more than one offensive zone sequence, Henrikson exhibited an ability to protect the puck under duress and make quality, instinctive passes. To play at the next level, Henrikson will look to improve consistency in decision-making with the puck, primarily in transition out of the defensive zone. Overall, Henrikson’s motor, physicality, and compete level made him an impactful player for Yorkton on both sides of the puck. Grade: B

Vinay Junek #13 (F, R, 5’11”, 175, Yorkton Terriers, 09/09/2005) – Vinay Junek is a mobile forward who made positive contributions to the Terriers’ offence. He exhibited proper skating fundamentals, complemented by a smooth stride and balanced edges. While he lacks top-end speed, it does not interfere with his ability to remain engaged in the play and adjust to changes of possession. Junek was the only player on either team to record three assists in the game. With the puck on his stick, he often made hard, accurate passes and demonstrated intelligent instincts in certain offensive situations. On Weyburn’s fourth goal, on the power play, Junek collected a loose puck in the corner. With a defenceman approaching, Junek made a pass through the seam to a teammate in the slot who finished the scoring play. This play was not a complex scoring sequence, but it highlighted Junek’s passing ability and his poise with the puck while facing pressure. Through three periods, Junek provided support in transition and in defensive situations, making appropriate stick checks most of the time. To play at the next level, Junek will look to add speed to his game and increase strength in puck battles. Overall, Junek’s positioning and passing enabled him to make a positive difference for the Yorkton offence. Grade: C+

Ryder McDonald #5 (F, L, 5’8″, 170, Yorkton Terriers, 08/04/2006) – Ryder McDonald is an agile forward who plays with a high motor and utilises his speed to make an impact in all phases. His skating fundamentals are sound, complemented by high-end agility and explosive straight-line skating. In a sequence early in the third, McDonald reacted quickly to a change of possession and utilised quick stop-start skating to change direction and attack through the neutral zone with speed. He won the race through the middle lane and used his speed to gain inside position as the play quickly transitioned up ice. McDonald continued his centre lane drive with speed, received a pass in the slot, and his quick snapshot hit the left post. This was one of multiple instances in which McDonald utilised his speed and puck skills to generate offence. With the puck on his stick, McDonald exhibited intelligent offensive instincts. On his primary assist on the fifth Weyburn goal, he won a puck race on a broken play entering the offensive zone, then spun away from a defender on his forehand before delivering an accurate, cross-slot pass for the goal. On more than one sequence, McDonald made hard, accurate passes and exemplified good situational instincts. Away from the puck, McDonald maintained sound positioning most of the time and provided good support in transition. In order to play at the next level, McDonald will look to continue growth in his shot release while developing consistency in his checking. Overall, McDonald’s speed and instincts enabled him to make regular offensive contributions for Yorkton. Grade: B-

Jye Zawatsky #94 (F, L, 5’7″, 155, Yorkton Terriers, 08/04/2005) – Jye Zawatsky is an impactful forward who plays with a high motor and makes contributions for Yorkton in all phases. His skating mechanics are sound, complemented by agile crossover ability and edge control to change direction while maintaining speed. His straight-line speed enables him to close gaps quickly and forecheck effectively. On his assist on the sixth Terriers’ goal, Zawatsky quickly closed in on a Weyburn defenceman retrieving a puck at the blue line. He then forced a turnover and carried the puck wide with speed before making a quick pass to the middle lane to set up the eventual scoring play. In multiple situations with the puck on his stick, Zawatsky demonstrated intelligent instincts and a well-rounded offensive skillset. In more than one instance, he utilized deception and puck skills to evade defenders. He also showed a willingness to drive the centre lane and used his speed to beat defenders to the net. Away from the puck, Zawatsky maintained proper position most of the time and provided sound positional support in transition. To play at the next level, Zawatsky will look to improve consistency in the checking part of his game. Overall, Zawatsky’s skating and instincts enabled him to regularly make positive contributions to the Yorkton offence and transition. Grade: B-

December 20th 2025 – Melfort Mustangs (0) @ Nipawin Hawks (5)

There was much more to this game than the one-sided scoreboard might suggest. Melfort outshot Nipawin 43 to 26, but special teams and goals from five different Hawks scorers were ultimately the deciding factors. After failing to capitalize on multiple five-on-three man advantage opportunities midway through the second, Melfort allowed a shorthanded goal to make it 2-0. Nipawin extended their lead in the third period with a pair of power-play goals and completed the shutout victory with an even-strength goal with 23 seconds remaining in the third.

Melfort Mustangs

Bo Eisner #55 (D, R, 6’2″, 193, Melfort Mustangs, 04/04/2005) – Bo Eisner is a steady, dependable defenseman who continues to log top minutes on the Melfort blue line. His mobility and instincts enable him to be an impact player in all phases. With the puck on his stick, Eisner makes accurate passes in transition while also demonstrating an ability to get pucks on net through traffic in the offensive zone. In defensive situations, Eisner applies appropriate stick and body checks most of the time. On the second goal against, a shorthanded goal by Nipawin, Eisner works to recover in good defensive position but is beaten to the net with a drag move that ultimately results in the goal against. Eisner will look to improve consistency in the checking part of his game, especially as he continues to play the most minutes of any Melfort skater. Overall, Eisner makes a significant impact in killing plays in the defensive zone while also generating offence for Melfort. Grade: B

Zayden Sadlemyer #28 (F, R, 5’11”, 170, Melfort Mustangs, 04/18/2005) – Zayden Sadlemyer’s instincts and offensive skill set enable him to make key contributions for Melfort. With the puck on his stick, Sadlemyer often creates time and space and exhibits an ability to get shots on net through traffic. He makes hard, accurate passes to teammates and most of the time maintains support position when supporting the puck. He does well to find open pockets of space in the defensive coverage and has multiple scoring chances from below the dots but does not finish. In defensive situations, Sadlemyer’s speed and agility enable him to close gaps and check with purpose, particularly on the penalty kill. Overall, Sadlemyer was a contributor for Melfort on both sides of the puck. Grade: C+

Nipawin Hawks

Carter Anderson #13 (F, L, 5’7″, 174, Nipawin Hawks, 07/28/2005) – Carter Anderson is a mobile, instinctive forward who makes contributions on both sides of the puck for Nipawin. He exhibits proper skating fundamentals complemented by balanced edges and agile crossovers. When forechecking and attacking through the neutral zone, Anderson shows signs of separation speed and often moves his feet to create traffic and screens at the net front. Anderson’s quickness and agility are particularly effective on the penalty kill, where he frequently uses his legs to apply pressure to the puck carrier. He also blocks shots and consistently utilises an active stick to close off passing lanes. With the puck on his stick, Anderson makes hard, accurate passes most of the time. At times, he has difficulty settling the puck on his stick while in motion. In order to play at the next level, Anderson will look to improve puck control and consistency when moving the puck. Grade: C

Eric Hoiness #7 (F, L, 6’0″, 177, Nipawin Hawks, 01/22/2005) – Eric Hoiness is an impactful, assertive forward with intelligent offensive instincts. His skating fundamentals are sound, complemented by agility on his edges and balanced crossovers. In multiple offensive situations, Hoiness exhibits an ability to read and react to defensive coverage while creating time and space to generate quality scoring chances. On his shorthanded goal in the second, the play begins with Hoiness drifting at the offensive blue line as the F2 on the Nipawin penalty kill. He then receives a pass from the corner off a quick turnover, makes a sequence of drag moves around two Melfort defenders, and finishes the scoring play with another forehand drag deke around the goaltender. This play exemplifies Hoiness’ puck skills and overall offensive skill set while also highlighting his willingness to take risks to generate offence. With possession, Hoiness makes accurate passes most of the time and provides support in transitioning the puck up ice. On the Nipawin power play, Hoiness is often utilised as a one-man breakout. He utilises quick crossovers to attack through the neutral zone with speed and establish possession for the Hawks in the offensive zone. In addition, Hoiness regularly applies pressure on the forecheck, using his speed and instincts to pressure opposing puck carriers. On a sequence midway through the first, he utilises an active stick to close off a quick regroup attempt by the Melfort defenceman. He then pressures and knocks the defenceman off the puck, collects, then takes a quick shot from the low slot after another deke around an oncoming defenceman. In this sequence, Hoiness’ combination of physicality and offensive skill enables him to force a turnover and quickly generate a scoring chance. Away from the puck, Hoiness demonstrates sound defensive instincts and an ability to close lanes with an active stick. As the high forward in the PK triangle against the Melfort 5-on-3 power play, Hoiness is active in moving his feet to close off lanes and deny high-percentage plays. In most defensive situations, Hoiness checks with a purpose and utilises his agility and stick position to angle and pressure opponents. Overall, Hoiness is a highly effective player on both sides of the puck for Nipawin, and his offensive contributions help the Hawks extend their lead at a key moment in the game. Grade: B+

Jack Janzen #18 (F, R, 6’0″, 180, Nipawin Hawks, 05/12/2006) – Jack Janzen is a deceptive power forward who makes key contributions for Nipawin. He exhibits sound skating fundamentals complemented by a quick first step and top-end straight-line speed. On more than one occasion, Janzen utilises closing speed on the forecheck as well as in defensive situations. His top-gear speed is highlighted on his goal late in the first period, where he uses his speed to power past two Melfort defencemen, winning the puck race and finishing the play with a quality forehand-backhand deke move on the breakaway. However, Janzen will look to improve consistency in utilising his top-end speed. Midway through the second, he is beaten on a puck race through the neutral zone, thus allowing a breakaway attempt for Melfort that is stopped by the Nipawin goaltender Roberts. Away from the puck, Janzen makes appropriate stick and body checks most of the time and utilises an active stick to break up cross-seam passes. Overall, Janzen’s speed and instincts enable him to make contributions on both sides of the puck. Grade: B

Brendan Olson #17 (F, L, 6’1″, 190, Nipawin Hawks, 03/15/2005) – Brendan Olson is a versatile forward who plays an important role in the Nipawin offence. He exhibits most skating fundamentals necessary to keep up at this level. His stride appears choppy at times, but where he lacks in technique, he makes up for in effort and quick foot speed. On more than one occasion, Olson uses his legs to quickly pressure opposing puck carriers. In the defensive zone, Olson steps into shooting lanes, blocks shots, and deflects passes with an active stick. His assist on the game’s opening goal comes when he blocks a shot at the right point that deflects out into the neutral zone, where a teammate wins the race down the ice and finishes the scoring play on the breakaway. In the offensive zone, Olson’s primary contributions come from his position at the net front. He often provides a screen and moves laterally to adjust his position in front of the goaltender as the puck is cycled around the offensive zone. On his power play goal early in the third, he obstructs the goaltender’s vision with good net-front position, then reacts quickly to a point shot and jams the rebound in. In multiple offensive situations, Olson exhibits intelligent instincts when reading the play and adjusting his position accordingly. To play at the next level, Olson will look to improve skating speed and skate from a base of strength. This will enable him to be more effective in transition and generate offence with his legs. Overall, Olson is a key contributor to the Nipawin offence in this high-scoring game. Grade: C

Finley Radloff #11 (LW, L, 5’8″, 161, Nipawin Hawks, 03/26/2005) – Finley Radloff is a composed, responsible forward who possesses proper skating fundamentals and quick straight-line speed. Assisting on the second Nipawin goal while shorthanded, Radloff wins the puck race in the offensive corner. He then makes an accurate, aerial pass on the backhand through two Melfort players, which results in the eventual scoring play. On the defensive side, Radloff’s mobility, reach, and instincts allow him to kill plays and apply frequent pressure to opposing puck carriers. On the Hawks’ penalty kill, Radloff is particularly effective when pressuring out high, and on more than one occasion forces a turnover that results in the puck clearing the zone. To play at the next level, Radloff will look to improve consistency when supporting the puck in transition. Overall, Radloff’s mobility and instincts enable him to make key contributions on both sides of the puck. Grade: C

Gage Roberts #1 (G, L, 5’11”, 170, Nipawin Hawks, 08/21/2006) – Gage Roberts backstopped Nipawin with a 43-save shutout against Melfort, his second shutout of the season. He was efficient in his movements and consistently adjusted his crease depth and positioning to remain square to the shooter. With clear sight lines, he caught pucks clean and demonstrated quick reaction time and coordination. He also worked to find pucks through traffic and did well to fight through contact and prevent secondary scoring opportunities. Roberts routinely demonstrated excellent rebound control and steered pucks safely to the corner when appropriate. He made many saves look easy; his stance and mobility enabled him to take pucks to the logo and kill the play. In addition, Roberts exhibited strength when covering the puck through contact, as Melfort made multiple attempts to jam the puck out from under his glove in the crease. Overall, Roberts made a number of quality, timely saves against every kind of scoring opportunity generated by Melfort, with his performance resulting in a decisive shutout win. Grade: A

Konnor Watson #34 (F, L, 6’3″, 207, Nipawin Hawks, 07/19/2006) – Konnor Watson is an instinctive forward who made some key offensive contributions for Nipawin. He possesses sound skating fundamentals complemented by an agile crossover ability. There is some immaturity to his skating as he grows into his frame; he exhibited inconsistency in his stride mechanics and stop-start skating, but this did not prevent him from keeping up with the speed of this game. Where he lacked in explosive skating, he made up for in offensive instincts. With the puck on his stick, Watson demonstrated an ability to get shots on net with a quick release. On his third-period power-play goal that extended the Nipawin lead to 4-0, Watson circled out high with the puck before stepping into the centre lane and releasing a well-placed shot that found the inside corner. This play highlighted his intelligent instincts to find the open lane and get a quality shot on net through traffic. In addition, Watson made hard, accurate passes most of the time and exhibited sound offensive instincts when moving the puck on the power play. In one power play sequence late in the second, after Watson’s pass across the offensive blue line was deflected into the neutral zone, he got back to recover on the backcheck and collected the loose puck in the defensive end. He then led the rush back into the offensive zone and made a quality cross-ice pass through a seam to set up the Hawks’ power play structure. Overall, Watson’s instincts enabled him to make important contributions for the Nipawin offence. Grade: B-

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