THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced today that Dryden Ice Dogs forward Tyler Walsh has been named the opening Pizza Hut player of the week for the 2012-13 season. In three games this past week the 20-year-old native of Mississauga, registered seven points in helping the Ice Dogs record a trio of victories over the weekend.
He opened up with a pair of assists in a 6-3 win over Duluth Friday and followed that up by scoring his first SIJHL goal and setting up the game-winner in a 4-3 victory over the Clydesdales Saturday. Walsh concluded his award-winning effort by tacking on two more tallies in a 5-2 triumph over the defending league champion Minnesota Wilderness Sunday.
THe SIJHL season got off to a fast start this weekend. For Thunder Bay hockey fans, the North Stars are getting ready to open at the Fort William Gardens on Tuesday night. The home town favourites are boasting a winning streak of two games after topping the Minnesota Iron Rangers on the opening weekend of play.
The puck drops at 7:30PM on Tuesday and Wednesday night. Tix are at the Fort William Gardens, and the Box Office is open one hour before game time.
In recognition of his on-ice efforts Walsh will be presented a gift card courtesy of Pizza Hut.
Honourable mention for the Pizza Hut player of the week award went to Mike Dietrich, (F) Minnesota Wilderness; Matt Kaarela, (F) Thunder Bay North Stars; Joey Haydock, (F) Minnesota Iron Rangers; Darrick Howard, (F) Duluth Clydesdales and Brenner Blankenship, (D) Sioux Lookout Flyers.
Of note, the Fort Frances Lakers did not have a nominee as they have yet to play their first game.
At the conclusion of the 2012-13 regular season, the SIJHL’s top performer will be presented the league’s Pizza Hut player of the year award.
Pizza Hut Player of the Week recipients
Week 1: Tyler Walsh, (F) Dryden Ice Dogs
With files from SIJHL Communications