CARROT RIVER — David Wiens has been named the Prairie Junior Hockey League’s Rookie of the Year while playing for his hometown Carrot River Outback Thunder.
“This award to me is such an honour,” Wiens said. “For me to be chosen out of all the other talented rookies is just crazy to think! My main focus right now is just to help my team the best I can.”
On Tuesday, the league announced its annual awards. The 18-year-old Wiens was selected as the winner of the Graham Christie Memorial award for being the Junior B league’s top first-year player. As of Monday, the two-way forward was second among PJHL rookies in scoring with 37 points in 39 games. Wiens paced the Outback Thunder in points and goals, with 19.
“He’s been a go-to guy for us in every situation,” Carrot River head coach Luke Folk said. “David has been leading the way both on and off the ice for us all year. He sets good examples for the boys, stands up for linemates. He’s just a team guy who gets after it every night.”
Last season Wiens helped the Tisdale Trojans win the bronze medals at the Telus Cup national midget AAA championships. What has allowed him to be successful in the jump to junior hockey?
“Just being more confident out there has really helped me up my game,” he said. “Also, my linemates have been unreal all year so without them it would be tough.”
Wiens has helped the Outback Thunder return to the postseason after a year’s absence. “I’m really looking forward to playoffs this year,” he said. “Playing every second day with the guys will just bring our team even closer together. Our team has been playing lights out most nights and we will be a force in the playoffs.”
Other PJHL award winners
Most Valuable Player: Noah Bankowski, Saskatoon Quakers
Most Sportsmanlike: Matthew Conlon, Saskatoon Westleys
Top Defenceman: Keegan Randell, Saskatoon Quakers
Peter Dittmann Memorial Coach of the Year: Kyle Pfeifer, Fort Knox
Jason Mercer Top Referee: Cody Beach, Moose Jaw
Jason Mercer Top Linesman: Cody Graham, Saskatoon
Terry Rak Builder Award: Wes Noon, Delisle Chiefs
Volunteer of the Year: Scott Osterhold, West Central Rage
Bob Dybvig Division All Stars
Forwards
Jordan Hudson, Saskatoon Quakers
Noah Bankowski, Saskatoon Quakers
Dodge Long, Saskatoon Quakers
Defencemen
Keegan Randell, Saskatoon Quakers
Kyler Douglas, Saskatoon Quakers
Goalie
Dawson Cochrane, Saskatoon Royals
Bill Johnston Division All Stars
Forwards
Taylor Halbgewachs, Triple Seven Chrysler Storm
Matt Kesslering, Extreme Hockey Regina Capitals
Kyle Colwell, Extreme Hockey Regina Capitals
Defencemen
Trey Stocker, Fort Knox
Jarid Morhart, Extreme Hockey Regina Capitals
Goalie
Jakob Taylor, Fort Knox
