Tyler Lowey
Morning Star Staff
With the sting of losing the Thompson Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League championship diminishing, the Vernon Source for Sports Tigers handed out their team hardware Sunday night at the Landels’ household.
Tigers’ netminder Aaron Jensen was exceptional all season long. He was named MVP after leading the league with a .855 save percentage and a 7.50 goals against average.
“It’s an awesome feeling and a special award to win in my last year,” said Jensen. “This is a good way to go out.”
Jensen was battling a Ben Bishop-like groin injury which he sustained with two games remaining in the regular season and it plagued him for the playoffs.
Playing with two pulled groins and a rolled ankle, Jensen was removed from Game 5 in the second period after allowing 11 goals.
“It’s just one game. It doesn’t take away from what we did this season. I wouldn’t change a thing,” said Jensen.
The awards marked the first time the entire organization got together since the finals. Jensen claims that it was a fun event and that the team has moved on.
Ryan Sarazin led the Tigers in scoring and finished sixth in the league with 35 goals and 60 points to be named Top Scorer.
A pair of Tigers split the Top Defensive Player award. Thomas Landels and Tre Mason did a great job all year with physical play and getting sticks in shooting lanes.
Logan Revell supplied two goals and one assist to be named the Most Improved Player.
Jordy Barr and Steele Pelletier split the Rookie of the Year award. Barr registered 12 goals and 24 points, while Pelletier recorded 13 goals and 25 points. They were both leaned on as offensive weapons down the stretch.
Jay Seaton was named Unsung Hero and Braden Barr won the Coaches Choice award.
Duane Barr received the Volunteer of the Year award.
The Tigers have five players graduating the program. Braden Barr, Darrell Landels, Seaton, Mason and Jensen received plaques for all their hard work over the years.
