Brady Cates

The SIJHL’s Rookie of the Year is a finalist for the national award from the Canadian Junior Hockey League.

Fort Frances’ Lakers Brady Cates is one of five to be considered.

The 18-year-old netminder from Emo helped the Lakers to their first regular-season crown in a decade.

Cates led the league with a goals against average of 1.83 and a save percentage of .936, while tying for wins with 20.

He is the first goalie since the 2019-20 season to top all three categories, while his goals against average and save percentage are the best of any U18 goaltender that has played in the SIJHL.

His performance led Cates also to win league MVP and Best Goaltender awards.

Last year, Cates was a member of the Kenora U18 AAA Thistles.

The national award winner will be announced next month.

Meantime, Cates and his Lakers teammates return to the ice for the seventh and deciding game of the Bill Salonen championship with the Thunder Bay North Tuesday night at the Memorial Sports Centre.

The puck drops at 7:15 p.m.