Minnesota Wilderness Briefs: Drapluk to play in CJHL Prospects Games

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THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League announces Minnesota Wilderness forward Joseph Drapluk was named to the Team West roster that played in the Canadian Junior Hockey League Prospects Games recently in Nova Scotia.

The 18-year-old native of Pembroke Pine, Fla., is currently fourth in SIJHL scoring with 23 points, including 12 goals. His four game-winning tallies also lead the league.

Rod Aldoff, Wilderness head coach and general manager, was chosen to coach the western squad at the Prospects games.

The CJHL Prospects Game was created to showcase the top NHL prospects in the CJHL and feature players from the CJHL’s five western leagues competing against those from the CJHL’s five eastern leagues in a two-game total goal series. Player selection for the annual CJHL Prospects Games is a joint initiative of the CJHL and NHL Central Scouting.

“This is a great opportunity, and honor for each of the players involved in the prospect game,” said Aldoff. “It gives the kids a chance to showcase themselves in front of a variety of scouts and represent our leagues in Western Canada.”

Dietrich named ‘Performer of the Month’

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced that Mike Dietrich of the Minnesota Wilderness has been named the Sportop October Performer of the Month. It is also includes the games of first 10 days of the 2012-13 season, which were played in September.

Of the 17 games Dietrich skated in during the time frame, the 20-year-old from South Hampton, N.J., recorded points in 16 of them, amassing 12 goals and 18 assists in that span and helping his club post a SIJHL-best 14-3 record while recording eight multiple-point contests.

Also included in the award-winning performance for the Wilderness team captain was a 14-game point streak.

On the season the forward currently leads the SIJHL in both points and assists with 31 and 18 respectively and sits tied for third in goals with 13. He also shares second in the league in game-winning goals with three.

Dietrich will be recognized at a future game and presented with a gift pack courtesy of Sportop Marketing Inc.

Honorable mention for the Sportop performer of the month award for October went to the following: Jordan Christianson, (F) Fort Frances Lakers; Jayme Brattengeier, (G) Thunder Bay North Stars; Chris Belhumeur, (F) Dryden Ice Dogs; Joey Haydock, (F) Minnesota Iron Rangers; and Darrick Howard, (F) Duluth Clydesdales.