Staff
It’s all about team accomplishments, not individual awards.
So goes the mantra of the Fort Frances Lakers. But the SIJHL clearly wasn’t listening.
The league announced the finalists for each of its year-end awards, with a Laker being nominated in all seven categories.
Forward Dylan Robertson, the SIJHL scoring champ this season with 88 points, is up for two awards.
The Lakers’ captain was nominated for the Amyotte’s Awards & Promotions Most Valuable Player award, along with defenceman Kyle Pouncy (Dryden GM Ice Dogs) and goalie Riley Corbin (Thunder Bay North Stars).
In what was a surprise to him, Robertson also is in the running for best defensive forward, along with Eric Madison (Minnesota Iron Rangers) and Kenny Turner (North Stars).
Nick Minerva, who led not only the SIJHL but the entire CJHL in points by a defenceman with 73, will go up against Troy Williams (Ice Dogs) and former Laker Aaron Wesley-Chisel (North Stars) for the Gongshow Gear Best Defenceman award.
Pierce Dushenko will take on Corbin and Taylor Unruh (Ice Dogs) for the top goalie honour while SIJHL freshman scoring champ Cole Tymkin (49 points) is up against Brad Thrower (North Stars) and Nash Dabb (English River Miners) for the title of CCM Rookie of the Year.
Defenceman Roshen Jaswal is in the mix for the most improved player, along with Turner and forward Tristyn Sabina (Iron Rangers).
Forward Andrew Willner, who finished fourth in SIJHL scoring with 58 points, was nominated for most sportsmanlike player, along with Turner and goalie Kyle Carignan (Iron Rangers).
Finally, Wayne Strachan will shoot for an unprecedented fifth coach-of-the-year honour against Kurt Walsten (Ice Dogs) and last year’s winner, Jeremy Adduono (North Stars).
The league award winners will be announced over the next few weeks.
In related news, the Lakers held their year-end banquet Saturday afternoon at La Place Rendez-Vous.
Robertson received the Leadership Award as the team’s MVP while Minerva was chosen best defenceman and Willner the most dedicated player.
Goalie Brandon Bodnar was selected rookie-of-the-year, with forward Christian Ripley getting the nod for most improved player.
Tymkin received the P.I.T.A. Award for doing the best job of getting underneath the other team’s skin.
Finally, the inaugural Bev Kotnik Memorial Award for volunteerism was given to defenceman Robbie Bonthron.
Kotnik, who served as the team’s vice-president, treasurer, and fundraising chairperson last season, passed away May 3 of last year at age 64 due to illness.
