The nominees are out for the SJHL year end awards. Coaches selected the division representatives for Rookie of the Year, Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Goaltender of the Year and Defenseman of the Year. Media votes are now sent in, and will be tabulated to name the award winners.

In the Rookie of the Year category, there isn’t much debate about the nominees. Tyler Heidt of the Melfort Mustangs was named the nominee from the Sherwood Division. The 18-year-old has been outstanding for the Mustangs this season, picking up 20 points in his rookie campaign in 48 games. The Viterra Division is being represented by Estevan’s Michael McChesney. The Dickinson, ND native has put together a strong season, with 38 points in 50 games, including five game winning goals. The Finning Division nominee is one who many have considered to be the hands down favourite all year long. Adam Dawe, who plays for the Notre Dame Hounds, is a 17-year-old who has played with poise all season long. He has 60 points in 47 games, and has shown a bit of edge, picking up 86 penalty minutes along the way. Dawe has also committed to the University of Maine for his collegiate career. Projected winner: Dawe.

For the Player of the Year, Dawe’s linemate, Ben Duperreault, has received the nod from the coaches of the Finning Division. In his final season with Notre Dame, Duperreault has put together his best ever season wearing a Hounds uniform. His league leading 75 points, six game winning goals, and 11 power play goals put him in elite company. The nominee from the Viterra Division is a defenseman, as Estevan Bruins veteran Josh Rieger has been selected. Hailing from Regina, the 20-year-old has picked up 39 points from the blueline, while his gritty play has also earned him 106 penalty minutes. As an added bonus, five of his 13 goals have been game winners. Rounding out the nominees is Greyson Reitmeier of the Flin Flon Bombers. In his second year wearing maroon, he has 67 points in 53 games. He was an invaluable part of last year’s team, and has picked up offensively where the team was expected to struggle after the departure of Switzer, Smith and Kocur. Projected winner: Duperreault

The Most Valuable Player of the Year award generally goes to the player whose efforts are invaluable to the team he plays for. From the Finning Division, Duperreault has received the nod, while the Viterra Division representative is Rieger. From the Sherwood Division, though, is a name many would expect. Kristian Stead a key reason why the Nipawin Hawks are in a battle with Flin Flon for first in the division. His 2.00 GAA and three shutouts, have been a big part of the success, and helping the Hawks to enjoy the second lowest goals-against in the league this season. Projected winner: Stead.

When it comes to naming the goaltender of the year, there are a few names who could end up on this list, as strong goaltending has been a key theme in the league this season. The Battlefords North Stars have two outstanding netminders, but only one received the nod, and that is Taryn Kotchorek. In his second year with the team, he has won 24 games, while posting a GAA of 1.72, and four shutouts. His save percentage is also strong, at .930. The Sherwood Division nominees is no real surprise, with Stead getting the nod once again. The Viterra Division nominee comes from a surprising place, though, Colby Entz of the Melville Millionaires was nominated by the coaches. Entz has played 25 games for the Mills, and won 10 of them, with a 3.25 GAA, and a save percentage of .909. Projected winner: Kotchorek.

The Defenseman of the Year sees a repeat candidate from last year, and a tie in one division. Eric Sinclair, who won the award last year as a member of the Melfort Mustangs, was again nominated to represent the Sherwood Division, this year as a member of the Flin Flon Bombers. Sinclair has played 41 games this season, but has also been part of three different teams. He was moved from Melfort to Melville as part of future considerations from a trade last year. He refused to report in Melville and was eventually dealt to Flin Flon. From the Finning Division, Kendall Fransoo has been named the nominee. Playing with the Battlefords North Stars, he is in his 5th season with the team, having started out as a 16-year-old. He can contribute offensively, putting up 33 points this season, and has notched 6 power play goals. The Viterra Division had a tie in the voting to determine a nominee. Rieger received the nod, as did Weyburn Red Wings captain Mike Eskra. In his third full season with the Wings, Eskra has been chipping in offensively, setting a new career high with 22 points. His defensive play has also been strong throughout the year, and was invited to the Team Canada West selection camp for the WJAC. Projected winner: Eskra.