The Alberta Elite Hockey League is pleased to announce Kaiden Kirkwood (Calgary Buffaloes – U18 AAA), Akaash Johal (MLAC Leafs – U16 AAA), and Kale Dach (Fort Sask Rangers – U15 AAA) as the Source for Sports Players of the Month for January.
U18 AAA – Kaiden Kirkwood (Goaltender – Calgary Buffaloes)
Calgary Buffaloes goaltender Kaiden Kirkwood’s 2022 could not have gotten off to a better start, as he was perfect in January with four wins in as many starts. He followed up back-to-back shutout wins with another pair of wins, and finished the month with a 1.00 GAA and .972 SV%.
“Kaiden has shown steady improvement throughout the season and was able to step up when called upon to play extra games in January,” said Head Coach Brent Harrison. “You could just see his confidence grow throughout the month and his ability to stay focused no matter the situation was critical.”
U16 AAA – Akaash Johal (Defence – MLAC Leafs)
MLAC Leafs blueliner Akaash Johal led all U16 AAA defencemen in scoring with 11 goals and three assists in 10 games, which included four-straight two-goal games. Johal’s red-hot January saw him double his point total, and sits in a tie for fifth in scoring amongst defencemen, with 22 points.
“Akaash has an innate ability to evade defenders and is very mobile all over the ice. He puts himself in positions to score and can finish when the puck is on his stick,” said Head Coach Terence Scott. “This is a well deserved recognition for Akaash’s growth and development over the course of this season. A leader both on and off the ice, Akaash demonstrates the character of an aspiring young man and athlete.”
U15 AAA – Kale Dach (Forward – Fort Sask Rangers)
Fort Sask forward Kale Dach began 2022 the same way he ended 2021, and continued his impressive campaign with eight goals and five assists in just five games. Dach leads all U15 AAA skaters with 73 points in just 28 games – 22 more points than the league’s second-highest scorer.
“Kale continues to lead our team on and off the ice,” said Head Coach Tyson Munro.” “He is dedicated to improving each and every day and has been rewarded for his hard work on the score sheet all season.”
Source for Sports is a proud sponsor of the Alberta Elite Hockey League Player of the Month awards. To find the store nearest you, visit www.sourceforsports.ca.