By Scott Fisher /

Winnipeg Saints head coach Doug Stokes is being rewarded for guiding his club to top spot in the Addison Division.

Stokes and Portage Terriers bench boss Blake Spiller will coach the 2009 MJHL All-Star game. The all-star weekend is slated for Jan. 24-25 at the Selkirk Rec Complex.

“It’s an absolute honour to coach in all-star games,” said Stokes, who is making his 10th appearance behind the all-star bench. “It never really gets boring. I enjoy meeting the players from other teams and seeing the great talent on the ice.”

Stokes and Spiller, who will lead the Sherwood Division, have a combined 35 years of Junior A coaching experience.

Now in his 25th season of coaching Junior A hockey, Stokes admits he enjoys every day at the rink. He was quick to credit his Winnipeg Saints for their strong first half, allowing him the opportunity to attend the All-Star game as the coach, rather than sitting on the sidelines.

BEHIND THE BENCH
Selkirk Steelers coach Keith Cassidy (Addison Div.) and Dauphin Kings boss Marlin Murray (Sherwood Div.) will guide their respective teams at the MJHL Prospects Game.

ON THE MOVE
The OCN Blizzard traded the rights of goaltender Garrett Barr, 18, to the Sioux Lookout Flyers of the SIJHL for future considerations ... Waywayseecappo traded the rights forward Nick Dvorak, 20, to the Manitoulin Islanders of the NOJHL for future considerations. The Wolverines also dealt the d-man Derek Champlin, 19, and future considerations to the Restigouche Tigers of the MJAHL for playing rights of 20-year-old forward Chad
Loewen ... The Selkirk Steelers dealt forward Joey McEwan, 19, to the Beausejour Blades for future considerations ... The Swan Valley Stampeders traded d-man Nick Martin, 20, to the Battlefords North Stars for future considerations.