INSIDE THE SJHL

By: Dan O’Connor – Voice of the North Stars

I’d like to just start by saying that it’s a privilege to be contributing to this blog. I hope that Robb and his three loyal readers enjoy a little more insight into the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

I’m kidding Robb.

The January 10th trade deadline is two days away, and by all accounts I’m expecting a rather quiet deadline on the SJ front.

The biggest trade may have already happened during the holiday break when the La Ronge Ice Wolves traded 20-year-old goaltender Jonathan Jobin to Nanaimo in exchange for 18-year-old goaltender Mark Trousdell and future considerations.

Don’t let his “less than stellar” numbers fool you. Jobin was the only reason why La Ronge is even close to a playoff spot in the Itech Conference. Nanaimo isn’t exactly a BCHL power-house, so it will be interesting to see what type of impact Jobin has in that league. As far as Trousdell’s impact in La Ronge? It’s tough to tell. The defense in La Ronge is so bad that he’ll have a tough time establishing himself until next year.

Again, I’m not expecting a ton of activity on Saturday, but because Hunter’s paying me by the word, I will go through each team and bring you some deadline predictions:

Humboldt Broncos (1st in the Itech Conference: 34-5-1-0)

The Humboldt Broncos are once again the clear favorite to come out of the Itech Conference. The defending RBC champs have a ton of depth at every position. The only question mark surrounding Humboldt is in goal. Dean Brockman’s club has two 18-year-old goalies in Andrew Bodnarchuk and Jeff Holloway. Will that inexperience come back to haunt the Bronco’s come playoff time?

The Broncos were one of the teams rumored to be pursuing Jobin from La Ronge. But nobody could really blame the La Ronge coaching staff for trading out of province. I predict that Humboldt adds another veteran forward, and they might make a run at Melfort defenceman Tommy Brown, but I’m not exactly holding my breath.

Flin Flon Bombers (2nd in the Itech Conference: 22-16-2-1)

The Bombers were struggling mightily before the holiday, but have since regained their stride. Had you asked me a month ago if Flin Flon would have a busy deadline, my answer would have been yes. But Cole Wilson, and Michael Young are healthy again, and if Reid MacLeod continues to light the lamp, Flin Flon might just be the team that makes a run at Humboldt.

Nipawin Hawks (3RD in the Itech Conference: 14-17-0-2)

If there is a dark-horse in the Itech the Nipawin Hawks get my vote. This team was in shambles for the first three months of the season, but have since turned a corner. The re-addition of Brett Ottman and the emergence of Shael Hechter has given Nipawin the offensive consistency that it has so badly craved. There was some speculation that Hawk’s leading scorer Torey Dyck might get moved, but with the way that Nipawin is rolling right now I just don’t see it happening.

Melfort Mustangs (4TH in the Itech Conference: 16-22-1-2)

The Melfort Mustangs are an anomaly. They have enough potential to make a run, but they may also be the most inconsistent team in the SJHL. Look for either all-star defenseman Tommy Brown or 20-year-old forward Kyle Fraser to be dealt. The Mustangs have ton a tremendous job of building for the future, but they don’t have the tools to make a run this year.

Battlefords North Stars (5th in the Itech Conference: 12-24-3-0)

The North Stars only have three 20-year-olds and none of the three have expressed interest in leaving the Battlefords. Bonnyville Pontiac fans will be happy to know that Chris Jung has garnered a lot of interest from several colleges down south, which likely means that he’s staying put. Josh Clare and Nick Martin are the only two other 20-year-olds and Ken Pearson has said repeatedly that he’d have to be “blown away” in order to trade any of his 20 year olds. Ken Pearson has said that he wants to add one more forward, but it won’t compromise the roster in place right now. After a five win season the Stars are on the verge of returning to the playoffs, and they have enough youth on this team to make a better run at the Itech next year.

La Ronge Ice Wolves (6th in the Itech Conference: 11-29-2-0)

Bob Beatty won’t admit it, but the trading of Jon Jobin likely means that La Ronge is folding the tent on this season. They still have a few older players that will likely be gone before too long. 20-year-old Dustin Stevenson could be a great asset to a team like Humboldt or Melville, and 20-year-old winger Everett Lerner would be a great fit on a contender’s second or third line.

Now to the Sherwood Conference.

Melville Millionaires (1st in the Sherwood Conference: 28-10-3-0)

The Mill’s are in good shape to make a run at the SJHL title. Their defense and goaltending is tremendous and as long as they can stay healthy down the stretch, they are definitely the favorite in the Sherwood. The Mil’s could definitely stand to add an Everett Lerner or a Dustin Stevenson from La Ronge and look for them to make a run at one or both of those guys.

Weyburn Red Wings (2nd in the Sherwood Conference: 27-15-1-0)

The Weyburn Red Wings are one of the oldest team’s in the SJHL which means:It’s now or never.The Wings have great depth, an underrated defense-core, and AJ Whiffen is still one of the best goaltenders in the league. I’ve heard from several sources that Weyburn has already inquired about adding a second-line center to the fold. Do they accomplish this within the SJ? Doubtful. But I’m looking for Weyburn to challenge Melville for Sherwood supremacy irregardless of any deadline deals.

Yorkton Terriers (3rd in the Sherwood Conference: 21-14-0-5)

Much like the Nipawin Hawks of the Itech, the Terriers are the “chin-scratcher” of the Sherwood division. They’ve got an underrated defense, a great goaltender in Devon Peters, but I strongly feel that they lack the necessary offence to go far in the playoffs. Look for Yorkton to add some toughness at the deadline.

Kindersley Klippers (4th in the Sherwood Conference: 21-12-0-4)

This team needs offensive depth! Aside from Brett Leedahl, Kirk Pearce and Jordan Braid, this team has very little offence. I strongly doubt that the coaching staff is willing to split up the top-line come playoff time. But one thing the Klippers do have is youth, and look for them to be a player in the Everett Lerner sweeptakes.

Estevan Bruins (5TH in the Sherwood Conference: 18-19-2-4)

This team is way better than the record indicates. Offensively there may not be a team with as much depth in the Sherwood Conference. The only thing hindering the Bruins is their lack of speed and defense. A Dustin Stevenson would work wonders for this team. I really like the B’s chances to upset a team or two in the post-season.

Notre Dame Hounds (6th in the Sherwood Conference: 17-24)

There have been a few grumblings from around the league that the Hounds are possibly looking to trade Rylan Schwartz.Think again!This team would have to literally be blown away in order to trade their home-grown superstar. Yes he’s got a scholarship next year, and yes he’d probably like to play for a winner, but I still think Schwartz’s loyalty is too strong. Look for the Hounds to stand-pat at the deadline.

Hope this insight helps you out. I look forward to contributing more to Robb’s blog.

Dan O’Connor host’s the “Co-Op Leisure Time Sports Fix” every Monday at 8:00 CST on www.cjnb.com.