WINNIPEG, MB – One of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s most exciting graduating players has been named MJHL Player of the Month for February.
23 points in only 13 games, Matt Christian of the Winkler Flyers was a clear winner. The 20-year-old had six, multi-point games – on two occasions, he had four-point games. In total, he scored nine goals and dished out 14 assists. Christian, who hails from Grand Forks, is third in MJHL scoring with 32 goals and 81 points.
The runners up were 19-year-old forward Josh Tripp of the Swan Valley Stampeders and 20-year-old forward Jordan Martin of the Neepawa Natives.
Mark Taraschuk of the Steinbach Pistons was named Defenseman of the Month. Taraschuk, 20, is from Winnipeg and was outstanding along the blue line, helping the Pistons remain first in the MJHL. Offensively, he chipped in with two goals and 11 points.
The runners up were 17-year-old Nick Cicek of the Winnipeg Blues and 19-year-old Troy Williams of the Portage Terriers.
The Goaltender of the Month for February is former WHL player Lasse Petersen, 20, of the Portage Terriers.
Petersen, who hails from Swan River, has been outstanding since returning to the Terriers from the WHL. Last month he posted a 4-2 record with one overtime loss and one shootout loss. His outstanding play was reflected in both his 1.96 goals against average and hos save percentage of .936. He also had one shutout.
His overall record is 18-6 this season. Prior to playing for the Terriers he had several excellent seasons with Swan Valley Stampeders.
The runners up were 18-year-old Matt Radomsky of the Steinbach Pistons and 19-year-old Riley McVeigh of the Virden Oil Capitals.
The Rookie of the Month for February was forward Mark Liwiski of the OCN Blizzard. Liwiski, 16, who hails from Dauphin, had seven goals and 14 points in 13 games. He had four, multi-point games over that stretch.
The runners up were 17-year-old defenseman Nick Cicek of the Winnipeg Blues and 17-year-old goaltender Matthew Thiessen of the Steinbach Pistons.
The Peak Performer of the Month was Tristan Culleton of the Steinbach Pistons. Culleton, 18, has selflessly given up his time spending three mornings a week helping out at Elmdale School.
Culleton, who was born in St. Louis, also participated in Love to Read month as well as contributing in the classroom in other areas. He also helps coach a minor hockey team in the community.
Johnston Hall for Game On and Manitoba Post
Photos by James Carey Lauder, Ryan Sawatzky and Jeff Miller