The Yorkton Terriers and the SJHL announced three local players nominated by the hockey club to represent Yorkton at the year end SJHL awards at the end of the season.
Named as a finalist for the Most Outstanding Player title, 20 year-old goaltender Devin Peters is having another outstanding season backstopping the Terriers.
Peters arrived in Yorkton as a walk-on to the Terrier camp a couple of years ago. Apparently he impressed Terrier coaches well enough to earn a spot on the team. He hasn't looked back since. "My grampa actually talked me into coming here to visit some family and to try out for the team at the same time," he recalls.
He ascribes his success to hard work and a strong desire to improve with each game and practise.
He'd like to further his hockey career by moving on to the next level of hockey.
He admits playing goal puts a lot of pressure on an individual. He say he likes that pressure.
A large part of his game is mental, Peters suggests. "At this level it's all mental. It's all in your head and if you don't have a good head on your shoulders, you're not going to think about the next play or the next game," he explains.
A walk on two years ago who proved his worth between the pipes, Peters is currently tied for the league lead with 19 wins.
Viceroy, Saskatchewan native Blaine Tendler has been nominated as Most Outstanding Defenseman. A leader both on and off the ice, Tendler has made life tough for opposing forwards.
He says the team started strong early in the season and the recent additions should make a major impact on the run to the playoffs.
He says it's an honor to be named as a finalist for the award. He credits his teammates and in particular Deven McMullen his partner at the blue line. "We work well together and these awards aren't possible if it weren't for your teammates," Tendler insists.
Staring his minor hockey in Bengough, Tendler moved through Assiniboia, Weyburn, Notre Dame, and Prince Albert before joining the Terriers.
He says he likes Yorkton. "I have nothing but good things to say about the community and the organization. It's all first class. We're treated like gold here, so I really enjoy my time here," he says.
1992 born forward from Trail, B.C. Zak Majkowski has been put forward as the Top SJHL Rookie. With 19 goals, Majkowski is on the verge of an impressive 20 goal rookie season.
Majkowski says he feels honored to be identified as a top rookie in a league with some very good rookie players.
He admits moving from Trail, B.C. to Yorkton was a big change for him. "I love the city. The City of Yorkton's great. We have great support from everybody. Our team has things going on right now and it's awesome," Majkowski says.
He attributes both his own success as well as that of the Terriers to hard work and practise.
