With most players sporting play-off ready bright blonde mohawks, the Castlegar Rebels held their annual awards banquet Sunday night at Mulligan’s Restaurant at Little Bear Golf Club.
Captain Erik Alden and assistant captain Stuart Walton shared the big prize of team MVP. Alden was also selected as top defenceman for the squad for his excellent leadership on the blue line. Walton was the Rebels’ Top Scorer (30 goals and 77 points, good for second place in the KIJHL) and also picked up the Top Forward award.
“It feels good,” said Alden, who as a 20 year-old is in his last year with the Rebels. “But as Junker said, it’s a team sport. You could have given it to any one of these guys. Every one does their job night in and night out.”
Winning Most Improved were the veteran duo of Aaron Brewer and Diego Bartlett. Brewer, a 19 year-old defenceman, and Bartlett, an 18 year-old forward, both had much improved seasons helping the Rebels to the league’s top spot.
Winning the Gerry Lacasse Memorial Award for gritty play and community mindedness was veteran forward Kody Disher.
The Rebels’ Rookie of the Year award went to Bryan Lubin who had a superb initial campaign scoring 26 goals and 40 points.
Goalie Connor Beauchamp netted the Sports and Education Award, while Hunter Jenerou was selected for the Sportsmanship and Ability Award.
The Rebels’ coaches also honoured 20 year-old players Alden, Walton, Jordan Gluck and J.R. Krolik for their strong play in their final season with the team.
“It’s awesome. It’s a great organization,” said Alden. “Every year I’ve been here we’ve had a competitive team. Every year we’ve had a great group of guys. It’s been an awesome chapter of my life. We’re looking forward to play-offs.”
Rebel Rousing – Gluck was voted the Top Goaltender in the Neil Murdoch Division. He was awarded the trophy at the Rebels’ game Friday against Nelson.
