Before embarking on their playoff journey the Okotoks Oilers took time to honour their 12th season in team history.
The Oilers Awards Banquet Monday evening at the Cardel Theatre in Calgary recognized the top achievers on and off the ice for the Alberta Junior Hockey League club.
To the surprise of no one, the league’s goaltender of the year finalist Riley Morris was named the squad’s Most Valuable Player.
“This year, he gives a chance every night,” said Oilers head coach Tyler Deis. “At the end of the day as a goalie that’s all you can ask for.”
The third-year Oiler was nothing short of spectacular with 29 wins, a .919 save percentage, 2.51 goals against average while pitching three shutouts in 2016-17.
On a team with seven strong freshmen contributors Jacob Bernard-Docker’s heady play on the back-end earned the 16-year-old Rookie of the Year honours.
“His professionalism to being a better player every day is by far one of the best I’ve ever seen,” said Deis of Bernard-Docker, a North Dakota commit. “He’s versatile, you can play him in any situation.”
Carson Beers, who along with having the best hockey name in the province, registered 14 goals and 45 points, earned the Defenceman of the Year award.
“He’s one of the biggest presences in the entire league,” said Oilers associate coach Kyle Schussler. “He’s great on the defensive side of things, but can really contribute on the offensive side as well.”
The same can be said for Trey DeGraaf, who picked up a trio of awards for his production.
The Red Deer native was Top Scorer with 27 goals and 66 points, Top Plus-Minus at +33 and was named the club’s Top Forward.
Fellow forward Kyle Gordon was given the Greg Wedderburn Memorial Award, formerly known as the Oiler Award, in recognition of loyalty, integrity, heart and perseverance.
The rookie battled back from a serious injury while also dedicating time to community endeavours as a hockey mentor, participant in Big Brothers while also finding time to assist at the Okotoks Food Bank.
Tanner Laderoute, easily the team’s most photogenic skater, was named the Hardest Working Player for the second year in a row.
The Edmontonian finished second on the club with 26 goals and 57 points.
“Arguably I’ve never seen him not have a good game,” Deis said. “Things might not be going his way, bounces might not be going his way, but he always puts in that effort.”
Team captain Jordie Lawson picked up the Unsung Hero Award.
The hard-working forward plays a complete game for the squad and earned major plaudits for his leadership and consistency.
Continued development saw sophomore defenceman Riley Mathies walk away as the club’s Most Improved Player.
The underrated defenceman has gradually eaten up big minutes for the club as a responsible force on the back-end.
Freshman forward Austin Wong, a ferocious body checker who chipped in with 20 points, took home the Rock Solid Award.
“He’s tough to play against,” said Oilers assistant coach Ryan Barrett. “I honestly haven’t seen too many players at his age with the ability to be as physical and actually scare guys on the other team.”
Rounding out the awards one of the most familiar faces off the ice was recognized for his tireless efforts.
Vance Billey, a fixture in the penalty box as a diligent scorekeeper, was honoured as the Oilers’ Volunteer of the Year.
For more information go to okotoksoilers.ca
