THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) announced Monday that Fort Frances Lakers forward Merritt Rysavy has been named the Pizza Hut player of the week for the period concluding Oct. 14. In two games this past week the 20-year-old Lakers’ captain, who hails from Sioux Falls, S.D., recorded five points, including four goals, helping Fort Frances post a pair of victories over the top two teams in the SIJHL standings.
Rysavy began his award-winning week by tallying twice in a 6-2 triumph over the first place Minnesota Wilderness on Friday.
He followed that that by netting another pair of markers and adding an assist as the Lakers stopped the second place Thunder Bay North Stars 8-3 on Saturday.
His efforts allowed Fort Frances to extend an early season-high winning streak to four games while helping the Lakers pick up nine of a possible 10 points in their last five outings.
In recognition of his on-ice efforts Rysavy will be presented a gift card courtesy of Pizza Hut.
Honourable mention for the Pizza Hut player of the week award went to Gordy Defiel, (G), Minnesota Wilderness; Mitchell Fox, (F) Thunder Bay North Stars; Max Seiter, (F) Minnesota Iron Rangers; Jesse Linner (F) Dryden Ice Dogs and Darrick Howard, (F) Duluth Clydesdales.
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.
Week 1: Tyler Walsh, (F) Dryden Ice Dogs
Week 2: Gordy Defiel, (G) Minnesota Wilderness
Week 3: Tanner Hamilton, (G) Fort Frances Lakers
Week 4: Merritt Rysavy, (F) Fort Frances Lakers
