KIRKLAND LAKE – The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League announced Tuesday evening that Kirkland Lake Gold Miners’ forward Austin Rust has been named the NOJHL’s most valuable player in the playoffs.
The announcement was made following game 6 of the NOJHL’s Copeland Cup – McNamara Trophy final, which Kirkland Lake won 2-1 over the Soo Thunderbirds thus taking the best-of-seven final four games to two in a well-played, hard-fought series.
In 14 postseason contests Rust, who hails from Algonac, Mich., averaged a point-per-game with 14 in as many outings on seven goals and seven assists.
Four of his markers were game-winners, including two in the finals, led all skaters in the league.
Rust also finished tied for second overall in total playoff tallies.
He and his Gold Miners’ teammates will now advance to represent the NOJHL at the Dudley-Hewitt Cup, April 29 through May 3 in Wellington, Ont.
Joining Kirkland Lake in the Dudley-Hewitt Cup will be the host Wellington Dukes (OJHL) along with Ontario Junior Hockey League champion Toronto Lakeshore Patriots.
The Superior International Junior Hockey League team at the Dudley-Hewitt will be decided Wednesday as the Fort Frances Lakers host the Minnesota Iron Rangers in game 7 of the Bill Salonen Cup final, which is knotted at three games apiece.
