Kelowna Rockets players were honored for their hard work this season at the annual awards ceremony at the Kelowna Community Theatre on Sunday.
Cal Foote received the Most Valuable Player award. The team captain’s 70 points led the Rockets defence in scoring. He was also given an award for being the Rockets’ top defenceman.
Dillon Dube was honoured with the President’s Award, which is a new award meant to recognize outstanding and significant accomplishments. It won’t be given out every year. Dube is the first Kelowna Rockets player to earn a spot on the Canadian World Junior roster in back-to-back seasons.
Kole Lind walked away with the Top Scorer award. The Shaunavon, Sask., native led the Rockets in points for the second season in a row, finishing with 39 goals and 56 assists for 95 points in 58 games.
Carsen Twarynski was given a nod as the most improved player for more than doubling his goal total this season. With 45 goals, the Calgary native led Kelowna in goal scoring.
Conner Bruggen-Cate was awarded Top Defensive Forward/Hollis Peirce Award. Bruggen-Cate finished the year with 18 goals, 27 assists and 45 points.
Gordie Ballhorn was the given both the team’s Plus/Minus and Unsung Hero awards. The Wetaskiwin, Alta., native hit several career highs, including scoring six goals and 36 assists for 42 points.
Leif Mattson was awarded Most Sportsmanlike. In 63 games this season, Mattson recorded only 22 penalty minutes.
Kaedan Korczak was declared Rookie of the Year. The Yorton, Sask., native scored three goals and added 13 assists for 16 points.
Ballhorn and Twarynski also shared the humanitarian award for attending most Rockets events, including everything from school visits to delivering teddy bears in the hospital.
Wil Kushniryk was honored as the team’s scholastic player.
The Rockets will start their first round of playoffs against the Tri-City Americans at Prospera Place on Thursday.
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