Flin Flon Bombers defenceman Calvon Boots was shocked to find out he had been nominated for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League Rookie of the Year award.
The Fairbanks, Alaska product was tabbed as the Sherwood Division’s top rookie. He has 11 goals and 25 points this season.
“This nomination came as a complete surprise to me and I’m incredibly honored and grateful for this recognition,” Boots said. “I know I’ve had a pretty good season, but didn’t think I was really on this radar. I guess it just makes me feel a little bit of accomplishment because I have dedicated my whole life to this sport and it’s nice to be recognized.”
Boots was quick to express appreciation to those who have helped him on his hockey journey.
“I would just like to thank my family and all my past and current coaches for the constant support and encouragement to better myself as a player. I couldn’t have gotten to where I am today without them.”
While excited to learn that Boots was nominated for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Rookie of the Year award, some Flin Flon Bombers fans may have been surprised that Chrystopher Collin is not in the running for the honour.
The 18-year-old forward from Montreal has had a stellar first SJHL season. He has 46 points and a team-high 22 goals in 43 games. However, Collin is not considered a rookie by the SJHL because he played more than 20 games in a junior A league in his home province last season.
Collin did receive the SJHL Rookie of the Week award in September and was awarded the MySask 411 Rookie of the Month for September/October. The league explained that at the time there was a difference of opinion of which games counted. Collin played in two playoff games last season in addition to 15 games as a carded player and five as an affiliated player.
