Ice Dogs sending 2 players to SIJHL Showcase

The Dryden GM Ice Dogs will have a pair of representatives on the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) squad for the Holiday Showcase in Thunder Bay.

Forward Adrian Mendoza and Defenceman Carter Goreniuk were picked by the league’s coaches to play in the two-game event against the Lakehead Thunderwolves on Friday January 2 and Saturday January 3.

Mendoza, who comes from Montreal, didn’t expect to get picked since he is a rookie in the SIJHL.

“I was honestly pretty surprised,” Mendoza said. “It’s a huge honour to represent the league and the Dryden Ice Dogs, and it means a lot to know the work I’ve been putting in is being recognized. I’m really excited for the opportunity to compete alongside such a talented group of players and to challenge myself in that environment. It’s something I’m proud of, and I’m looking forward to making the most of it.”

Mendoza has 35 points in 23 games played this season.

Meanwhile his teammate Carter Goreniuk (Bonnyville, Alberta) is in his second season with the Ice Dogs and can play one more season of junior hockey.

“I didn’t know at all that I was being considered for (this event),” Goreniuk added. “My Head Coach Jake Gushue called me and asked if I wanted to be a part of the showcase event. I was able to change my flights coming back from the holidays, and said yes, the same day that my coach called me about the opportunity.”

“Having Adrian there at the showcase with me will be awesome. He’s a great player and an even better guy to be around every day, so having him there will just ease the nerves a bit.”

The SIJHL squad will be made up of four members from the Thunder Bay North Stars, Fort Frances Lakers and Sioux Lookout Bombers along with three players from the Kam River Fighting Walleye and Red Lake Miners.