Catz n’ Jammers 3 Stars of the Month: December
What a month December was for the Melfort Mustangs in the SJHL! The Mustangs mustered up a 5-1-0-1 record in the month, which was part of an 11 game streak where the team did not lose in regulation. That streak unfortunately game to an end on Dec. 16, but the next night the team started a new one. Not only did the Mustangs continue to ascend up the SJHL standings, but they were also able to score at will, totaling 37 goals for in seven games, for an average of 5.3 per game. With a number of stellar performances in December, there could have been more than just three in this month’s Catz n’ Jammers 3 Stars of the Month.
1st Star: Kevin Minnoch (7gp, 4G, 8A, 12pts)
Not only was Kevin Minnoch one of the best players on the Mustangs in December, he was also one of the most productive players in the whole SJHL. His four goals were the most among any defenceman in the league, his eight assists were the most by any defenceman in the SJHL in the month, and tied for fourth overall, and his 12 points ranked him tied for third in the league in December. Pair his elite offensive production in the month, with his continuous solid defensive play, the Sherwood Park, Alta. product has been a key cog in the Mustangs success.
2nd Star: James Venne (4gp, 4-0, 1.47 GAA, .948 sv%, 1 shutout)
By watching him play, you might think James Venne is a veteran 20-year-old in the SJHL, but the 18-year-old is in his second season in the league and has built off his strong rookie season by putting up some rock solid numbers in the Mustang net. The Saskatoon, Sask. product played in four games in December, winning all of them, and only allowing a total of six goals on 116 shots, good for a 1.47 Goals-Against-Averge, and a .948 save percentage. Venne and his goaltending partner continue to be one of the most feared goaltending duos in the SJHL.
3rd Star: Dawson Leroux (7gp, 5G, 5A, 10pts)
Tied for the second most points on the team in December, Dawson Leroux was one of the most steady contributors for the Mustangs in the month. Leroux had points in six out of seven games in December, scoring five times, including a four goals in three game stretch, and earning five assists. While he didn’t earn a point in regulation on December 9 in Estevan, Leroux still made his presence felt as he scored the shootout winner. The Assistant Captain is currently second on the team in scoring.
The Mustangs are back in action on January 6, 2023 when they host the Nipawin Hawks to open the new year.
