The Winkler Flyers have announced their 2019-2020 year end award winners. This past season was a very exciting one that came to an unfortunate ending with the cancellation of the season due to the COVID-19 virus. All the players on the roster played a part in this turn around season, but these gentlemen have been singled out for their performance both on and off the ice.
Most Valuable Player | D-Nathan Poolman (99)
Nathan played big minutes for the Orange and Black in his only season in Winkler. His game thrived in Winkler and was crucial to the success that the Flyers’ experienced this past season. He exemplified what it means to be a Winkler Flyer.
Top Defenseman | D-Drake Burgin (00)
Drake is a dynamic talent and is the perfect example of a modern defenseman. He led the way offensively from the blueline and made all those around him better. He led all Winkler defenseman in points (53) and led all skaters in assists (41). He was also named the MJHL’s Top Defenseman and was the runner up for the MJHL’s MVP Award.
Top Forward/Leading Scorer | F-Jayden McCarthy (01)
The Winkler Flyers offensive game went through Jayden McCarthy. He ran the first power-play unit and was trusted in all situations. He really came into his own offensively this past season, recording a career high 64 points and 28 goals to lead all Winkler skaters.
Coaches Award | D-Garrett Szeremley (99) and F-Jaden Townsend (99)
Both Garrett and Jaden were heart and soul type players and were the dad’s of the dressing room. Garrett kept things light and was not afraid to say what needed to be said. Jaden is a true leader in ever sense of the word and the success of this past season would not have been possible without him.
Most Improved | F-Jackson Arpin (01)
Came out of nowhere in training camp, not knowing which position he would play or even if he would make the team. Halfway through the season Jackson became a key member of one of the Flyers very important lines along side Everett Bestland and Carson Pawlenchuk. He was trusted down the middle and came a long way from the beginning of the season.
Rookie of the Year | D-Trent Sambrook (02)
Made the team purely on merit as a 17 year old. He does not care how big he is and neither do the Flyers. His hockey IQ is off the charts and didn’t just survive this season, but thrived. Ran a power-play unit for half of the season and really bought in. He got more comfortable as the season progressed and became a leader.
Hardest Worker | D-Connor Gallagher (01)
Connor is constructed in a lab and his work ethic and habits are second to none. He spent the first half of the year playing midget hockey and came in and dedicated every minute to try and get better, and it really rubbed off on others.
Unsung Hero | F-Ian Tookenay (00)
Picked up off the scrap heap early in the season and the Flyers didn’t really know what they were getting. They ended up getting a first line forward and an incredible human being both on and off the ice. The Flyers wish they had three more Ian Tookenay’s.
Community Award | F-Everett Bestland (99)
Everett is a guy who committed himself to Winkler for three years. He made a huge difference in the dressing room and did the same in the community. He also won the MJHL-RBC Community Ambassador Award this past season