GM Ice Dogs celebrate their 25th SIJHL season

Payton Hu took home the Jim Wright Memorial Most Valuable Player award Saturday night at the Dryden GM Ice Dogs annual banquet. He finished the regular season with a league leading 76 points so also accepted the hardware for Top Scorer.

Team members, executive members, billet families and sponsors turned out to honour the outstanding achievements of the Ice Dog players this season and to also celebrate 25 years as an organization in the Superior International Junior Hockey League. Dryden native and former NHL superstar Chris Pronger sent a video message that was played for the crowd congratulating the organization on the achievement and encouraging the team to bring the Bill Salonen Cup home.

Captain Elias Eisenbarth was named the top defensive forward as well as the coach’s choice award. In his final year of eligibility the native of Medicine Hat, Alberta netted 45 points in 47 games.

Tegan Kerr won the CKDR Community Service Award as well as the Resilience and Integrity Award.

Other winners:
Rookie of the year: Adrian Mendoza
Most Sportsmanlike: Ryder Wolfe
Top Local Player: Reidar Paquette
Most Improved: Carter Welke
Top Defenseman: Nicholas McCallen
Fan Favourite: Mavric Welk

The GM Ice Dogs, who finished the regular season in 2nd playce, are getting ready to open their quarter final best of seven playoff series at home against the Red Lake Miners on Sunday March 22nd at 7:00 p.m.