Elkhorn product Josh Martin is one of the many local players contributing to the Miniota-Elkhorn C-Hawks’ success this hockey season.
As of Monday, the C-Hawks senior team sported a 15-2-0-0 record – best in the Tiger Hills Hockey League. The team concludes its regular season on Feb. 4 by hosting the Deloraine Royals. Martin was tied for third on the team in scoring as of Monday. He had 35 points with 13 goals through 16 games.
On a TL Media podcast before the THHL season got underway, C-Hawks forward Dustin Fisher named Martin and Curtis Gardham as team members who fly under the radar and might not get the credit they deserve. Miniota-Elkhorn head coach Garth Mitchell said “unsung” is an accurate description for Martin.
“Josh is a very important part of our team who brings a solid mixture of skill and grit,” the coach said. “He has very high compete level that consistently lifts the energy on our team and has the offensive skills and talent to go along with that.”
As of Monday, Gardham had been limited to six games. He has collected 12 points, including three goals, in those contests. On the T-L Media podcast, Fisher said of Gardham, “Last year he scored some massive goals for us in the playoffs and provincials. … The guy can put the puck in the net.”
Goaltending Trio
For many years, Ian Oliver and Cory Gardham have formed a netminding duo to be reckoned with for the C-Hawks. They paired together to help the C-Hawks to several North Central Hockey League titles.
The last few seasons Manson’s Cody Rookes has stepped in to provide support as a third goaltender. Last season the trio helped the C-Hawks fly to the THHL championship.
“The team has confidence in all three goaltenders – no matter who is in net – they give us an opportunity to win every night,” Mitchell said.
As of Monday, Gardham led the team in wins (9-1-0-0). He had a 2.29 goals against average and a .906 save percentage. Oliver was 3-1-0-0. Rookes was 3-0-0-0 with a 2.29 GAA.
Ziemer Helps
Newcomer Zeanen Ziemer has had an immediate impact on the C-Hawks this season. As of Monday, he was tied with Martin for third on the team in scoring. Ziemer had 17 goals and 35 points through 12 games.
“Zeanen Ziemer brings a very talented veteran approach to the game,” Mitchell said. “His skill set is a huge complement to our forward crew, and he has fit in very well in our top 6 forwards.”
In junior hockey, Zeanen Ziemer won a Manitoba Junior Hockey League championship in 2010 with the Dauphin Kings and also played for the OCN Blizzard. He has also won titles in the THHL during a senior career that has included time with Carberry, Boissevain and Wawanesa.
Scoring Stars
As of Monday, the C-Hawks’ Brad Bowles paced the THHL with 36 assists and 57 points in 16 games. He was second in goals with 21 behind the Virden duo of Ty Lewis and Devon LeBlanc, who each had 22. As of Monday, Lewis was the league’s second-leading scorer with 50 points while LeBlanc was third with 49. With 48 points, Jason Bowles was fourth in the THHL.
Miniota-Elkhorn boasted six of the league’s top 20 scorers in Brad Bowles, first; Jason Bowles, fourth; Ziemer, eighth; Martin, ninth; Taylor Sanheim, 12th, 32 points; and Shawn Bowles, 17th, 27 points.
