Accomplishments, milestones, and anticipation of the future were celebrated and acknowledged at the Prince George Cougars’ Awards Banquet on Sunday.
Despite not finishing the 2017-18 season the way they had hoped for, the third annual event honoured players, coaches, volunteers, and fans, thanking everyone for the countless hours of hard work and service.
Forward Jared Bethune was named the Most Valuable Player, capping off his four-year stint in the Western Hockey League (WHL), all spent in the Northern capital.
“It really means a lot to me; it’s pretty cool to win it too in front of all the fans, so I’m truly honoured,” said the 20-year-old on his recognition.
“My billets are like family to me, so I’ll miss them a lot. The guys and the community have grown on me these last number of years, so to leave will be sad, but I’m also grateful for the impact they’ve had on my life.”
Bethune registered 69 points in his final season, and 175 points (65G, 110A) in 276 career WHL games.
.@PGCougars’ Forward Jared Bethune (@bethune_21) is the 2018 #DanHamhuis Award winner as Team MVP | #CityOfPG pic.twitter.com/puVvk4Q2UJ
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) March 18, 2018
According to the Fort Frances, Ontario native, his next step is a try-out with the Allen Americans of the ECHL, the ‘AA’ minor affiliate of the San Jose Sharks.
“I’m going to finish the year off with them in Texas, so I’m really looking forward to joining them. School is also on the table for me; I have a few places in mind, particularly University of Manitoba and Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. Right now, we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
He also took home the team’s Chris Mason ‘Three Stars’ Award.
Aaron Boyd and Prince George native Brogan O’Brien are other two graduating players.
.@PGCougars’ Forward Brogan O’Brien (@Brogs_97) is the #DorothyJohnson Memorial Award winner as the Fan Favourite for the 2017-18 season | #CityOfPG pic.twitter.com/RuhHMsWhoo
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) March 18, 2018
AWARD WINNERS:
Rookie of the Year = Vladislav Mikhalchuk
Scholastic Player of the Year = Matt Mosher
Dorothy Johnson Memorial Award (Fan Favourite) = Brogan O’Brien
Spirit of the North Humanitarian Award = Chance Adrian
Offensive Player of the Year = Josh Maser
Defensive Player of the Year = Joel Lakusta
Michael Fogolin Memorial Award (Player’s Choice) = Josh Curtis
.@PGCougars’ Forward Josh Maser (@joshmaser88) is the 2017-18 #TroyBourke Award winner as the team’s Offensive Player of the Year; presented by @Lynhallpg | #CityOfPG pic.twitter.com/hYykkLJlPI
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) March 18, 2018