WILKIE — Sask. West Hockey League announced their 2022-23 annual awards, and the Wilkie Outlaws dominated the winners’ list.
Four players took home seven of the league’s top awards while the first team all-star team included three players from the Outlaws and one on the second all-star team. Macklin Mohawks had three players receive league awards.
Brock Harrison was the clear winner earning three awards that included league MVP, most gentlemanly player, and top scorer. Harrison was also named as forward on the first all-star team.
Derek Keller was named top defenceman for the league, in addition to earning a spot on first all-star team.
Other all-star team winners from the Outlaws include Ryan Keller joining Harrison and Derek Keller on first all-star team while Will Rathje was named to second all-star team.
Team spokesperson, Ryan Cey, says, “We’ve been very fortunate to have loyal and dedicated players that, in some cases, have been playing for the Outlaws for 10 plus years and those players are the reason for our longevity that we have been able to enjoy.”
Cey goes on to say, “This year we were able to add Ryan Keller, who is arguably the best player the Outlaws have seen, certainly in recent memory, and also had longtime standouts Rick Cey and Mike Sittler come out of retirement to help solidify our lineup. We would all agree that our ultimate goal is winning league and provincial championships, but it is great to see some of our dedicated players receive recognition from the league.”
The Outlaws say they owe credit to their dedicated executive which includes president Kirk Sittler; secretary/treasurer Ashton Herle; manager Ryan Cey; coach Derek Cey along with board members Travis Thomson, Bill Sittler, Gerry Cey, Herb Schell, Rob Griffiths, Aaron Lorenz and Brett Sittler.
Cey says they are hoping to get good crowds out to support their hometown team during their current league playoff and provincial runs. Fans get an opportunity to see multi-award winner Brock Harrison and other local players compete for the historied Outlaw namesake.
The Macklin Mohawks’ Cody McKinnon was named best defensive forward while goaltender, Ryan Deck, was named rookie of the year. Defenseman, Mitch Brennan was named on the first all-star team.
Other award winners included Travis Child from Kindersley Klippers named as top goaltender and was also named to first all-star team. Klippers’ Jonny Calkins was named to second all-star team.
Edam 3-Stars had one player, Cody Danberg, named to first all-star team, while netminder Jake Taylor and defenceman Jordan Fransoo, joined forward Mitch Wall on second all-star team. Martin Smith earned coach of the year for Edam.
Biggar’s lone nod went to Brett Novak who was named second all-star team forward.
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Still to be named for the season are the playoff most valuable player and the recipient of the Bill Cey Memorial Award for the hardest working local player.
