Manitoba Junior Hockey League
Pigs and Pucks: Part of Manitoba’s Heritage
Pork production and ice hockey are long-standing Manitoban traditions. Both have been a part of our province since it was first settled.
With hockey bags and kids in tow, and a cup of Timmy’s best to go, many of our farm families find themselves immersed in hockey during the winter months – something you can probably relate to! Manitoba Pork wants to celebrate our province’s unbridled enthusiasm for the game, so in support of hockey programs at the grassroots level we’ve signed on as a major sponsor of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) for its 2011-2012 season.
The MJHL delivers exciting Junior ‘A’ hockey action to 11 communities throughout Manitoba, including Winnipeg.
Teams:
Dauphin Kings
Neepawa Natives
OCN Blizzard
Portage Terriers
Swan Valley Stampeders
Selkirk Steelers
Steinbach Pistons
Winkler Flyers
Winnipeg Saints
Winnipeg Blues
Waywayseecappo Wolverines
As part of this sponsorship, the MJHL will choose a Manitoba Pork Peak Performer of the Month. This award is given to a player who combines a high level of on-ice performance with a healthy lifestyle and community involvement.
The Manitoba Pork Peak Performer of the Month for February is 20-year-old forward Evan Laye of the Selkirk Steelers.
His community involvement is outstanding. Evan participated in workshops as part of the Lockport Children's Festival. He organized activities for children that embrace Aboriginal culture as part of Selkirk Aboriginal Day and has also volunteered with Nova House Women's Shelter. He was a Guest Reader for Lord Selkirk School Division for 'I Love to Read Month'. Evan regularly assists children with hockey skills development as well. The MJHL is proud of the contribution Evan makes to his community.
The Manitoba Pork Peak Performer of the Month for January is 18 year-old defenseman Matt Franczyk of the Steinbach Pistons.
Matt is very active in the community of Steinbach. In January he visited local elementary schools and worked with students focusing on Numeracy Month initiatives. Matt’s billet mom is a school teacher and her son is in Squirt level hockey. Matt has worked with the Squirt team all season, helping them with skill development. In the neighbourhood where Matt lives, he has helped open a neighbourhood outdoor rink for kids to play and have fun with hockey. Matt has logged the most ice time of any Piston player this season.
The Manitoba Pork Peak Performer of the Month for December is 20 year old goaltender Matt Krahn of the OCN Blizzard.
Matt is currently one of the top goaltenders in the MJHL and is near the top in all goaltender statistical categories. He is also active in his community. Matt mentors young minor hockey goaltenders in both the OCN and The Pas Minor hockey associations with early morning tutoring sessions twice a week. The minor hockey goaltenders benefit from Matt’s excellent one-on-one instruction. Matt also participates in an elementary school reading program that is coordinated by University College of the North. Matt and some of his teammates visit schools and read stories to the students. The Manitoba Junior Hockey League is proud of the involvement players like Matt Krahn contribute to their community.
Mitch Van Teeling of the Dauphin Kings is the Manitoba Pork Peak Performer of the Month for November 2011.
The 18-year-old forward is third on his team in scoring with 31 points in 30 games played including 10 goals and 21 assists. However, Mitch really shines in the community. The Dauphin Kings have a trainer with special needs named Jonathan Foster. Mitch Van Teeling spends up to two days per week including overnight with Jonathan acting as a friend and companion and helping him with cooking and other chores in Jonathan’s apartment. In addition, Mitch is enrolled in university courses via correspondence. Mitch also contributes to Team School visits during the season. Mitch says that billeting last year with Kings Captain, Shane Luke was a huge help in understanding the importance of giving back to the community.
Brett Chartier of the Winnipeg Saints is the Manitoba Pork Peak Performer of the Month for October 2011.
Chartier had a very strong month on the ice while continuing to work with persons with special needs off the ice. Brett is responsible for two individuals with special needs and brings them to practice regularly to be around the team and hang out in the dressing room with the players. These two individuals love being with Brett and around the Saints players. Brett manages to play an important role with the Saints as team captain, attend university courses and make a difference in the lives of individuals with special needs throughout the season.
The Peak Performer of the Month for September 2011 is Brent Wold, an 18-year-old forward for the Portage Terriers.
