REDVERS - The Redvers Rockets are champions of the Big Six Hockey League and recently held their annual windup and awards night.
After losing their first game of the regular season, they reeled off 19 straight wins to finish the regular season at 19-1. They swept the Yellow Grass Wheat Kings in the quarter-finals, the Midale Mustangs in the semifinals and the Moosomin Rangers in the final to win the league title.
They last won the league in 2018.
Award winners were as follows: team leader, Drew Hoff; MVP, Presten Kopeck, top defenceman, Bradey Gaudet; most dedicated, Kevin Mann; Mr. Hustle, Todd Gervais; most improved, Braeden Magotiaux; top rookie, Jordan Enger; and playoff MVP, Kenton Miller.
Dallas Jonassen has been the general manager of the Rockets for many years and was extremely proud of his team and its winning season.
“We have a great group of guys who always play as a team. To win 27 league games in a row is quite an accomplishment. Goaltending was strong, we had the best defence in the league and we have some incredibly-talented forwards that can put the puck in the net. We should field a strong team for many years to come,” said Jonassen.
The only disappointment to the Rockets season was losing to the Kenaston Blizzard in provincials.
“The Blizzard was the only senior team to win both their league and a provincial title this year. To compete at that level, your league team just isn’t strong enough to compete with rosters of ex-junior players. You just have to pick up some high-end talent.
“The Rockets have a great organization. We have a solid executive and I wish to thank my co-manager Jim Duncan for all that he does. We have good, stable coaching and Ken, Garth and Brian do a great job. And we have the best fan support in the league. Thanks to everyone who helped this year.”
Jonassen also wanted to remind everyone that the Big Six Hockey League celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2023-24.
“Our league is one the best senior leagues in Saskatchewan and when you have been around hockey as long as I have, you know you are only as good as the league you play in. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the people that keep this league going every year. Have a great summer and see you in the fall.”
