The Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings have had a lot to celebrate over the last week. With last night’s 3-2 win over the Humboldt Broncos, they secured third place in SJHL standings and win the Viterra Division for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
Along with their team success, they were also able to celebrate some individual awards. Angelo Zol was awarded the SJHL MVP of the Week last week with wins over the Notre Dame Hounds and the Melville Millionaires only giving up a single goal. Luke Dekay was also awarded the SJHL Rookie of the Week last week for his performances in those two games. He had two goals and three assists during that two-game stretch.
The Red Wings were also selected as year-end finalist for their successes throughout the regular season. Head coach and GM Cody Mapes is a finalist for SJHL Coach of the Year. Through 54 games this 2024-25 season, he’s led the Red Wings to 34 wins and secured the first Viterra Division championship in the last nine years. Since becoming the Red Wings head coach in the COVID-ended 2020-21 season, Mapes has won 100 regular season games with multiple playoff appearances and a multitude of players committing to colleges and universities, advancing in their hockey careers.
Max Chakrabarti was named this year's finalist for both SJHL Defenceman of the Year and Rookie of the Year. Chakrabarti leads all defenceman with 13 goals, 35 assists, and 48 points through 54 games, and those 48 points also lead all rookies. He is also the only Red Wing to play all 54 games this season.
“It’s been good” Chakrabarti says, “It's been a good season for the team and for me and things have been going well and hope we can continue that through the playoffs.”
With multiple award winners, finalists, and a Viterra Division championship to celebrate; it’s been a good time to take the ice wearing the Winged Wheel or to cheer them on from the stands. The Red Wings have two games remaining in the regular season, with a home and home matchup this weekend against their Highway 39 rival, Estevan Bruins. The first game is at Crescent Point Place on Friday, March 14th at 7:00 P.M. The Red Wings will then wrap up the regular season on the road on Saturday at Affinity Place in Estevan.