THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced Monday that Fort Frances Lakers captain Noah Loveday has been named its Most Improved Player for the 2019-20 season.
The 20-year-old Fort Frances product earned the award over fellow nominees Xavier Halterman of the Dryden GM Ice Dogs and Nick Harder of the Thief River Falls Norskies, in voting completed by each of the SIJHL’s member clubs.
Seeing action in 48 games during the year, Loveday produced 17 goals and 21 assists for the Lakers, which marked a 17-point improvement for himself, compared to the 2018-19 season.
His contributions saw him set personal single-season bests in tallies, helpers and points.
He also led Fort Frances in game-winning markers with five and that total had him finishing tied for fourth-best among all SIJHL skaters in that department.
This marks the fourth time in league history a Lakers player has garnered these laurels as Loveday joins former Lakers Miles Nolan (2014-15); Mason Meyer (2013-14) and Colton Spicer (2012-13) on that list.
The following are the names of the SIJHL’s all-time most improved player award recipients:
2019-20: Noah Loveday, Fort Frances Lakers
2018-19: Boe Bjorge, Thief River Falls Norskies
2017-18: Mark Sanchez, Minnesota Iron Rangers
2016-17: Braedyn Aubin, Dryden GM Ice Dogs
2015-16: Kenny Turner, Thunder Bay North Stars
2014-15: Miles Nolan, Fort Frances Lakers
2013-14: Mason Meyer, Fort Frances Lakers
2012-13: Colton Spicer, Fort Frances Lakers
2011-12: Matt Morsette, Duluth Clydesdales
2010-11: Sam Dubinsky, Thunder Bay North Stars
2009-10: Matt Hunter, K&A Wolverines
2008-09: Kevin Burton, Dryden Ice Dogs
2007-08: Jared Saunders, Schreiber Diesels
2006-07: Dominic Jean, Schreiber Diesels
2005-06: Jordan Chong, Dryden Ice Dogs
2004-05: J.J. Francis, K&A Golden Hawks
2003-04: Brent Irwin, K&A Golden Hawks
2002-03: Mike MacIntyre, Dryden Ice Dogs
2001-02: Steve Atkins, Feathermen Hawks
Photo credit: Tim Benton