The Alberni Valley Bulldogs handed out their year-end team awards at an event held at the AV Multiplex last week.
Josh Mitchell was the team’s top scorer, picking up 13 goals and 45 assists for 58 points in 59 games played this season.
Rookie of the year is Evan Tironese, from Qualicum Beach. Tironese signed with the Bulldogs last July, and fulfilled the team’s requirement to have a 16-year-old on the active roster.
His presence was felt throughout the season, not just on paper.
He scored 14 goals—five on the power play—and picking up 28 assists for 42 points in 60 games.
Tironese and longtime equipment manager Jamie Amos were named the team’s unsung heroes for 2011-12.
Mitchell and team captain Trent Dorais were named the team’s MVPs for the year. Dorais also won the coaches’ choice award.
Marlon Sabo was a triple award winner, picking up the fan’s choice award, educational award for high school students and also for most improved player.
He shared most improved with Tryg Strand.
Ryan Lough was the most sportsmanlike player and also won an educational award for college students.
Lars Hepso won the team’s humanitarian award. Walker Hyland was named the team’s best defenceman.
Strand and Artsiom Kalashnikov were the Bulldogs’ community heroes this year.
The team also recognized the 20-year-old players leaving the team: Dorais, Hyland, Mitchell and goaltender Max Fenkell.
The Bulldogs finished sixth in the B.C. Hockey League’s Coastal Conference with 48 points in 60 games (22-34-2-2).
Because of the new post-season format that saw the top four teams advance with no bye round for first place this year, the Bulldogs did not make it to the playoffs.
To see photos of the award winners, check out team play-by-play announcer Evan (Hammer) Hammond’s blog, Hammer’s Bulldog Blog, at hammersdogs.blogspot.ca.
editor@albernivalleynews.com