The problem with spending days upon days putting together a preview of the SJHL, and even predictions, is that your work inevitably makes you look dim-witted before the season is a month old.
Let's talk about a few of the surprises in the first three weeks of the season.
The biggest one, obviously, is the Nipawin Hawks. After missing the playoffs the last two seasons, they were ranked sixth in the Bauer Conference in our preview.
In fairness, and I know no one will believe me, I strongly considered flipping them with the Melfort Mustangs, who I had in fourth place. Not doing that will haunt me all season.
The Hawks were expecting a lot from local rookie Tad Kozun, but I'm not sure even they expected him to be contending for the league scoring lead right now. But there he sits, one point behind the Bruins' terrifying trio at 12 points.
Nipawin has also gotten what they were hoping for from the likes of Tyler Paslawski, Adam Reichert and ex-Bruin Justin Waskewitch, and goalies Davis Jones and Stephen Klein have both delivered outstanding performances.
I wouldn't expect the Hawks to maintain top spot all year, but I probably speak for just about everyone in the SJHL (except Melfort) when I say it's nice to see Nipawin icing a strong team.
And how about the Flin Flon Bombers post-Andrew Johnston trade? Mike Reagan's confidence in his largely unheralded forwards has paid off so far with a 5-2 start.
The line of Jay Young, Dylan Balaski and Riley Storzuk has dominated opposing teams so far, and the Bombers are getting lots of production from a blueline that's likely one of the best in the SJHL.
Finally, the Humboldt Broncos and Melville Millionaires are both below .500, though I suppose those are only mild surprises.
The Mils still have Sean Aschim and Zach Rakochy in the WHL - Aschim is a lock to stay with Moose Jaw if he continues his hot start - and they didn't get into their new home until last week.
In Humboldt, meanwhile, when you bring in that many stars and new players in a short period, it takes time for them to gel. And it looks as though they are finally getting goaltender Deven Dubyk from the WHL, which was a huge piece to their puzzle.
Josh Lewis can be reached by phone at 634-2654, by e-mail at [email protected], on Twitter at twitter.com/joshlewis306 or on his Bruins blog at bruinbanter.blogspot.com.
