The Midwest Junior Hockey League today announced its players of the week for the week ending Sunday, Jan. 25.

The awards are voted on by league coaches, general managers and league staff.

Rookie of the Week – Mario Taranto, Soo Firehawks

As the Firehawks split with the first-place Traverse City Hounds last weekend on home ice, the 1996-born Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., native rose to the occasion.

In Friday night’s 5-4 overtime win, Taranto’s goal at 17:59 of the third period tied the game 4-4 and the Firehawks won it on a Christian Wilkins goal 2:51 into the extra session.

Saturday night, Taranto picked up assists on both Soo goals in a 4-2 loss.

Taranto, who now has six points (three goals, three assists) in his last five games, has registered four goals and 10 points in 18 games with the Firehawks this year.

Also Receiving Votes: Kevin Cole, Traverse City Hounds; Eric Long, Detroit Fighting Irish; Justin Session, Motor City Monarchs; Luka Znidarsic, Decatur Blaze