Swan River's Josh Tripp has had a season to remember. He won the Mike Ridley Trophy for winning the MJHL scoring race. He was named the MJHL's Most Outstanding Player and he was named a first-team all-star.
Now, Josh could win the next Canadian Junior Hockey League Player of the Year award. The soon to be 21-year-old is the MJHL's nominee for the award that will be handed out next month in Brooks, Alberta at the National Championship.
Josh had 84 points in the regular season (36 G). He's kept it going in the playoffs with 14 points (10G) in 13 games.
"Josh has the skill, the character and the work ethic to deserve all the accomplishments he's received this season," said Darren Webster, Stampeders Assistant Coach. "He's doing all of this against teams top defensive pairs as well. If he does win the CJHL Player of the Year award, it's well deserved."
"Yeah, that's obviously a huge honour and it's a great feather in his cap," said Barry Wolff, Stampeders Head Coach, and General Manager. "He deserves it; he's worked so hard all year. Hopefully it creates good awareness of our league and hopefully, he wins it in Brooks."
Manitoba’s last national winner was Portage Terriers’ star Eric DeLong, who won the award in 2009.
Josh will now look to keep it going as the Stamps' attempt to come from behind against Portage in the Turnbull Cup Final. Swan Valley has dropped both games at Stride Place as they trail 2-1 in the best of seven.
"The games have all been close. It's typical league final hockey, there really isn't a lot of room to be had," said Webster. "The downside is our compete level. I don't think we've really competed for a full 60 minutes yet. We have had times when we've shown how we can play but, it hasn't been consistent. You can't afford that against a team like Portage.
Swan Valley has been outscored by Portage 11-8 in the series so far. Six of the Stamps' goals came in a thrilling 6-5 overtime win in game two. Other than giving up six goals in that game, Ethan Peterson has been solid for the Terriers'. He's made 79 saves this series. That included a 34-save shutout in game number one.
"We haven't been getting traffic the way we need to, he's seeing the shots far too easy," added Webster. "I don't think there is any panic in our room. The guys just have to look around the room and play with each other. We need all four of our forward lines and six defencemen helping out."
The Stamps' will look to even up the series tomorrow night. Game four drops the puck at 7:30 at the Centennial Arena.
