A year ago Matt Bothwell had reason to doubt the direction his hockey future might take.

After breaking his leg early in the 1999-2000 season the Weyburn Red Wing centre was placed on the injury reserve list, where he stayed for the most part.

But as the season wound down Bothwell returned and finished with one goal and three assists for four points in 16 games, and dressed for every game in the Wings play-off drive.

This season Bothwell started off on a different foot. He was named the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League's player of the week for the second week of the season after picking up a goal and five assists while helping the Wings take two of three on their first road trip north.

"It's a honour - I have never had anything that big ever happen to me," said an exuberant Bothwell the following week. "When (Red Wing head coach Dwight McMillan) told me I was speechless. Anyone could have got it, it's just an honour."

And it's an honour the Pueblo, Colo. native is greatful for.

"I am a believer in God," said Bothwell. "I just put my trust in God and he got me through it all. (Last year) was a rough year, I had an okay playoff and this year I am looking to have a great year."

McMillan isn't surprised with Bothwell's early season performance as he expected him to step up offensively.

"We feel that he is one of our top players, and that's our expectation of him - that he will be one of our top hockey players," said McMillan. "He's got the ability to make some real good plays and play in those tight hockey games. He's a play maker, and not always will he get those chances because the guys check him, but if they give him an opening he will certainly make a good play. His peripheral vision is what really helps - he sees the whole ice."

After Bothwell suffered his broken leg Red Wings brass made the decision to keep him on their roster, a decision that obviously has paid off.

"You have to look at the value you think you have got in a player. We felt that his dividends were going to pay off this year and especially next year," said McMillan. "With his talent we thought that it was worth the investment to keep him and work with him. I think overall he is going to be one of our best players."

As for this season Bothwell credits most of his success to the people around him, not wanting to take all the credit for himself. Although it is tough to set lines this early in the season, Bothwell clicked with Jason Vermeulen and Casey Vanschagen who have formed a formidable line for McMillan.

"The season has been great," said Bothwell. "I am playing with some awesome linemates, which are really making my game elevate to its highest level. I owe all of it to God, that's the only reason I am here. He has given me the strength."

Vermeulen, another veteran Red Wing, agrees with his linemate that both their games have been elevated.

"He is very easy to play with," said Vermeulen. "He is one of those guys who sees the ice well, he can pass, he can handle the puck well and he's a great guy off the ice which makes it a lot easier to play with on the ice."