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Princeton brass picks best of the best for annual awards

“It was exceptionally difficult,” said coach Mark Readman
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Ten players received 11 awards at the recent Princeton Posse year-end banquet. From left: Curtis Gould, Tyson Horiachka, Sean Michell, Grady Sterling-Ponech, Dayton Nelson, Lucas Sadownyk, Tanner Funk, Scott Burgess, Brennan Watterson and Jonathan Ward. (Bob Marsh photo)

It’s tough, having to pick the best of the best.

But that was the task assigned the Princeton Posse management team in advance of the annual awards night recently at Rock Ridge Canyon.

“It was exceptionally difficult,” said head coach Mark Readman.

“We didn’t necessarily have ‘shoe-in’ winners. It was pretty tough to pick.”

Readman and five others agreed on this year’s winners, selected from the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s top team in the regular season.

Hometown skater Curtis Gould received the Hitman of the Year award, for the player who best exemplifies the attributes of a physical game.

Gould was also chosen as the Fan Favourite, after members of the public registered more than 500 votes.

Dayton Nelson is the year’s Most Valuable Player. Nelson racked up 44 points in 37 games.

“From the first day he showed up, we really took a turn for the better. The team started to click, and we believe he was the missing piece that we were waiting for at the time,” said Readman.

The Coaches’ Award was presented to Tyson Horiachka.

This honour goes to “the player who is deemed by the coaching staff to uphold the best qualities that the team holds in high esteem,” including leadership, competitiveness and a positive attitude.

Scotty Burgess won the Most Sportsman Like trophy and was recognized for his competitive play, while demonstrating a respect for opponents, teammates and officials.

The title of Rookie of the Year was a particularly hard decision, according to Readman.

“It was settled by multiple members of our staff as we had several impact first year players.”

Grady Sterling-Ponech was a “difference maker,” he said.

The Top Offensive Player award was earned by Sean Mitchell.

Mitchell is a player who “is always a threat to score when he gets on the ice” and has recorded 41 points in 40 games.

Lucas Sadownyk was named Top Defensive Player. “He continually proves himself to be one of the top defenseman in our division and league,” said Readman.

The Most Improved Player was a unanimous decision for operations staff – Jonathan Ward was described as someone who “is continually using the extra ice available to work on his skills, has consistently asked questions on how he can contribute more to our lineup… (and has) a bright future ahead of him.”

The Hardest Worker honour was awarded to Brennan Watterson, for consistently performing as a “driven competitor” who has the right attitude and is constantly focused on improvement.

Tanner Funk received the award as the team’s Unsung Hero. Said Readman: “His impact does not go unnoticed by the coaching staff. This individual has been a Swiss army knife for the staff this year. Has played in multiple positions for us and has filled in holes and whenever we need someone to step…He is a huge personality in the room and has really helped shape the culture of the room since his first day with our club.”

Related: Princeton sweeps play off series against Summerland

Related: Princeton Posse wins Presidents Cup in overtime on home ice

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Andrea DeMeer

About the Author: Andrea DeMeer

Andrea is the publisher of the Similkameen Spotlight.
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