The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League is pleased to announce its Team of the Week for the period ending Jan. 25.
Forwards
Brendan Kindlein – Quesnel River Rush
The Calgary native was an assist machine with back-to-back three-assist performances, while adding a goal. Kindlein finished the week at plus-5 while averaging 13:41 per game. He set up the game-winning goal in a 6-1 win over the 100 Mile House Wranglers, then followed it up with a four-point night in a 9-4 victory over the Chase Heat, scoring the tying goal at 4-4. His goal marked a new season high with nine.
Isaiah Bagri – Quesnel River Rush
The local product recorded consecutive two-goal games in a pair of wins, bringing his season total to 22 goals — a new career high. Bagri was plus-8 while averaging 18:47 per game. He had two goals and four points in a 6-1 win over the Wranglers, then scored to give the River Rush 2-1 and 7-2 leads against the Heat. He also reached the 100-point milestone for his KIJHL career versus the Wranglers. This is Bagri’s second Team of the Week selection.
Hayden Evans – Grand Forks Border Bruins
The Revelstoke native posted a goal and four assists in a pair of wins. Evans was plus-5 while averaging 20:56 per game. He set up Gairen Bona’s game-winning goal and finished with three assists in a 5-3 victory over the Sicamous Eagles. Against his hometown Revelstoke Grizzlies, Evans scored on the power-play to spark a comeback before assisting on Brandon Gray’s overtime winner. This marks Evans’ second Team of the Week selection, his first coming with the Fernie Ghostriders.
Defence
Gairen Bona – Grand Forks Border Bruins
Bona recorded three points over the weekend, beginning with a two-goal performance against the Eagles, including the game-winner. Against the Grizzlies, he combined with Levi Astill to set up Evans’ power-play goal that kickstarted the comeback in a 4-3 overtime win. Bona finished plus-4 while averaging 22:51 per game. This is his second Team of the Week selection, with his first coming Jan. 4 while with the Merritt Centennials.
Teegan Mudryk – Kamloops Storm
Signed from the Rocky Rams at the trade deadline, Mudryk continues to make an impact, averaging 1.17 points per game since joining the Storm. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound defenceman collected three assists on the weekend, including two in a 4-2 win over the Eagles. He set up Noah Paulsen’s opening goal and later assisted on the tying marker. Mudryk was plus-2 while averaging 19:46 per game.
Goalie
Sam Saskiw – Merritt Centennials
The Sherwood Park, Alta., native was excellent between the pipes, stopping 38 of 40 shots in a pair of wins over the Princeton Posse and Heat. Saskiw posted a 0.99 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage. He turned aside 23 shots in a win over the Posse.
