CIS announces men's hockey major award winners and all-stars

FREDERICTON (CIS) – Andrew Clark, a third-year centre from Acadia University, was named the CIS player of the year in men’s hockey, Wednesday night.

The native of Brandon, Man., became the third player in school history to claim the Senator Joseph A. Sullivan Trophy. He follows forwards Kevin Baker and Duane Dennis, who were honoured in 2005-06 and ‘93-94, respectively.

University Cup website: http://english.cis-sic.ca/championships/mice/index

Other CIS award winners announced during the All-Canadian Gala at the Playhouse in Fredericton were McGill’s Marc-André Dorion, who was named defenceman of the year for the second time in three seasons; Alberta’s Réal Cyr, selected as the country’s best goaltender; Western forward Zach Harnden, who received the Clare Drake Award presented to the rookie of the year; Saskatchewan forward Kyle Ross, who claimed the R.W. Pugh Award as the nation’s most sportsmanlike player; Moncton head coach Serge Bourgeois, who captured the Father George Kehoe Memorial Award, presented by Coaches of Canada; and UNB’s Kyle Bailey, who merited the Dr. Randy Gregg Award recognizing his excellence in hockey, academics and community involvement.

The 50th Cavendish Farms University Cup championship, presented by Home Depot, gets under way on Thursday at the University of New Brunswick’s Aitken Centre and culminates on Sunday with the national final, live on Sportsnet at 8 p.m. Atlantic. Sportsnet will also broadcast the pool play finale Saturday at 4:30 p.m. AT, while SSN Canada will have live webcasts of all seven contests.

SENATOR JOSEPH A. SULLIVAN TROPHY (player of the year): Andrew Clark, Acadia

Clark won the AUS scoring title in his third season with the Axemen thanks to his 15 goals and 24 assists for 39 points in 28 games, a tally that allowed him to edge UPEI’s Matt Carter by a single point in the conference race. Named an all-Canadian for the first time in his career, the five-foot-10, 180-pound forward tied for the league lead with four game-winning goals, led the conference with 129 shots and was an important part of Acadia’s power play and penalty kill units, scoring four times with the man advantage and twice shorthanded. He helped the Axemen finish second in the AUS in penalty killing and third in power play efficiency.

In three seasons of university hockey, the kinesiology student has amassed an impressive 99 points in 83 league contests. Prior to joining the Axemen, Clark spent four campaigns with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, recording 40 goals and 78 points in 72 games in his final major junior season in 2008-09.

“We are very proud of Andrew’s accomplishments this year. He is a tremendous leader for our hockey club. To be in on over 40 percent of our goals is truly a remarkable statistic,” said Acadia head coach Darren Burns, whose team ranked fifth in the AUS in conference play with 95 goals in 28 matches. “His approach to the game is very refreshing as he is a very unselfish player whose only concern is our team’s success. Even more impressive was his ability to help so many first year players get acclimatized to university life and the game itself.”

The other finalists for the Sullivan Trophy were forwards Keaton Turkiewicz of Western and Blair Macaulay of Manitoba.

DEFENCEMAN OF THE YEAR: Marc-André Dorion, McGill

Dorion, a five-foot-11, 185-pound native of St. Hubert, Que., was the OUA nominee for CIS defenceman-of-the-year honours for the third straight campaign. He was the inaugural winner of the national trophy in 2009-10.

The fourth-year physical education major had a phenomenal season for the Queen’s Cup champions. Voted OUA East MVP, he earned first-team all-Canadian status for the third consecutive year after guiding McGill to a league-best 22-4-2 record in conference play. Dorion topped all CIS blueliners with 39 points, including seven goals, in 28 games. He became the first rearguard in school history to lead the Redmen in scoring and his 32 assists fell one shy of the nation’s lead. He was assessed only four penalty minutes during the regular season, a remarkable accomplishment for a rearguard, and was a contributing factor in helping McGill produced the best defensive record in the country (2.20 goals against average), tied with Alberta.

Dorion, who played three QMJHL seasons with Baie-Comeau and two with Acadie-Bathurst, has received NHL tryouts with Dallas, Phoenix and Toronto.

“Marc-André is an elite CIS defenceman,” said McGill bench boss Kelly Nobes. “He is exceptional at both ends of the ice and a key component to our power play. He’s also an academic all-Canadian and a well-respected leader within our team.”

Acadia’s Chris Owens and Manitoba’s Jeremy Schappert were also in the running for the award.

GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR: Réal Cyr, Alberta

Cyr, an education student from Victoire, Sask., is the third straight Canada West netminder to claim the CIS goaltender-of-the-year award since the inception of the trophy in 2009-10. He follows Manitoba’s Steve Christie and Calgary’s Dustin Butler.

In his fourth campaign with Alberta and his first as the team’s starting goalie, the five-foot-11, 185-pound senior led the country in both goals against average (1.59) and save percentage (.935) while earning a conference-best 13 wins against only four losses in 18 league games. Named a conference all-star and CIS all-Canadian for the first time, Cyr combined with teammate Kyle Mucha to win the Adam Kryczka Memorial Trophy presented to the Canada West team which records the best goals against average, as the Golden Bears allowed only 62 goals in 28 contests – tied with McGill for the CIS lead. He had previously shared the Kryczka Trophy with former Bear great Aaron Sorochan back in 2008-09.

Prior to joining the Bears, Cyr spent four WHL seasons with the Prince George Cougars, playing alongside current NHLers Dustin Byfuglien and Devin Setoguchi. He attended the Detroit Red Wings’ prospects camp in 2007.

“Réal has proven himself to be an excellent leader for us this season. >From his play in goal to his role as a leader in the dressing room, he has been one our team’s best players,” said first-year Alberta head coach Stan Marple. “He has really worked hard this season, and his work ethic was excellent in practice and games. He has been a key reason to the success of a team that ices such a young lineup.”

The other nominees for top-goalie honours were Anthony Peters of Saint Mary’s and Riley Whitlock of Queen’s.

CLARE DRAKE AWARD (rookie of the year): Zach Harnden, Western

Harnden, who hails from Thunder Bay, Ont., became the second Mustang to capture the Clare Drake Award since it was first presented in 1986. Forward Matt Dzieduszycki was honoured in 2001-02.

The six-foot-three, 210-pound left winger, who attends King’s College, was spectacular in his university debut. In 26 regular season games, he led all OUA freshmen with 17 goals, including a pair of game-winners, and 31 points. His 17 markers ranked sixth in the conference and second on the team, trailing only CIS scoring champion and OUA West MVP Keaton Turkiewicz (20). He was a major contributor as Western took first place in its division with a stellar 21-4-3 record.

Prior to joining the Mustangs, Harnden played five seasons in the OHL, including four with Peterborough where he served as team captain. He also had a six-game professional stint with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL and attended NHL training camps with San Jose and Los Angeles.

“Zach has had a tremendous rookie season for us,” said Western head coach Clarke Singer. “Not only is he the best rookie in the league, he is one of the top power forwards in the league regardless of age.”

St. Francis Xavier forward Michael Kirkpatrick and Calgary defenceman Teigan Zahn were also nominated for the Clare Drake Award.

R.W. PUGH AWARD (most sportsmanlike player): Kyle Ross, Saskatchewan

Ross, a native of Regina, is the fifth Saskatchewan player to receive the R.W. Pugh Award for fair play since its inception in 1986. Previous winners from the Huskies include Dean Beuker (2005-06), Jon Barkman (‘01-02), Sheldon Moser (‘99-00) and Brian Purdy (’95-96).

In his fifth and final university campaign, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound team captain had a career-best season with 16 goals, including eight power-play markers, and 33 points in 28 games to finish tied for third in the Canada West scoring race behind linemates Derek Hulak (44 pts) and Kyle Bortis (39 pts). Despite being one of the most utilized players in the conference, the Canada West all-star amassed only 26 penalty minutes in the regular season.

An academic all-Canadian, Ross is in his third campaign with the Huskies after transferring from the University of Regina to study law. The most sportsmanlike player award was one of three trophies he won this season at the Canada West level, along with the UBC Hockey Alumni Trophy for sportsmanship and ability, and the Dr. Randy Gregg Award for excellence in hockey, academics and community involvement. He made his CIS debut after a five-year career in the WHL with Red Deer and Regina.

“Kyle not only leads our team in every aspect on and off the ice, but he has been a top point producer for us in all three years with the team,” said Saskatchewan head coach Dave Adolph. “He leads by example and challenges all of our players to be exemplary in the classroom and be a representative of our program off the ice and on. When you think of our 2011-12 team and its identity, you will most likely think of Kyle Ross.”

Forwards Dean Ouellet of Moncton and Chris Ray of Waterloo were also up for the Pugh Award.

FATHER GEORGE KEHOE MEMORIAL AWARD (presented by Coaches of Canada): Serge Bourgeois, Moncton

Bourgeois, a native of Saint-Paul-de-Kent, N.B., joins three former Aigles Bleus bench bosses as Kehoe Memorial Award winners from Moncton. He follows Robert Mongrain (2006-07), Len Doucet (‘08-09) and Jean Perron (’82-83).

In his third season at the helm after three campaigns as an assistant under Mongrain, Bourgeois led his troops to third place in the ultra-competitive Atlantic conference with an 18-9-1 record, one year after the Aigles Bleus missed the playoffs with a 10-15-3 mark. Moncton was ranked nationally in 16 of 18 weekly polls in 2011-12, reaching a season-high No. 3 in late November.

Bourgeois is about to make his fourth University Cup appearance as a member of the Aigles Bleus, following two participations as an assistant coach and one as a player. His combined regular season and playoff record as Moncton head coach stands at 42-47-7.

“Serge did a tremendous job leading the team to third place in the AUS,” said Moncton director of athletics Marc Boudreau. “He surrounded himself with quality people to guide his young team to a remarkable season. His players are successful both on and off the ice. He is highly respected in hockey circles in the community and the province, and we’re very proud of his accomplishments.”

UBC’s Milan Dragicevic and Western’s Clarke Singer were also in the running for coach-of-the-year honours.

DR. RANDY GREGG AWARD (hockey, academics & community service): Kyle Bailey, UNB

Bailey is the second UNB player to receive the Dr. Randy Gregg Award. He joins former Varsity Red Colin Sinclair, who was honoured in 2006-07.

In his fifth and final campaign with the V-Reds, the team captain from Ponoka, Alta., finished fourth in AUS scoring with 16 goals and 33 points in 27 games, including three game-winners and a league-leading 10 power-play markers. He wraps up his stellar university career with 65 goals, 88 assists and 153 points in 138 regular season contests, and ranks third all-time in career points at UNB, all games included. He joined the V-Reds after skating for Portland and Lethbridge in the WHL.

Bailey is currently enrolled in the MBA program, after earning his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in April 2011. A four-time academic all-Canadian, currently on target to achieve the honour for a fifth time, he was the recipient of the AUS Godfrey Award recognizing leadership, academics and community service for the second consecutive year.

In addition to his academic and athletic commitments, Bailey participates in both the “Read with the Reds” and “Heads Up with the Reds” programs at UNB. He is a volunteer in the weekly Special Olympics floor hockey program as well as community hockey camps, and is a role mentor and volunteer for the UNB V-Reds Prospects hockey program. This year, he also organized a special Big Brothers night for one of UNB’s games along with a dressing room visit for several of these youths.

“Kyle is an outstanding player for our team but as good as he is on the ice, he is an even better person and wholeheartedly represents our program in the most professional manner possible,” said UNB head coach Gardiner MacDougall. “Our hockey team has a major profile in the city, and the young hockey players in the community have the same dreams our guys do. Kyle and his teammates’ involvement in the community is a key to helping these children grow their dreams.”

Queen’s Jonathon Lawrance and Saskatchewan’s Kyle Ross were also nominated for the Dr. Gregg Award.

ALL-CANADIAN TEAMS

The all-Canadian teams were also announced on Wednesday.

Joining Clark, Dorion and Cyr on the first squad were Acadia defenceman Chris Owens, Western forward Keaton Turkiewicz and Saskatchewan forward Derek Hulak, all of whom became first-time CIS all-stars.

Turkiewicz (28 GP, 20-27-47) and Hulak (28 GP, 11-33-44), named MVP in the OUA and Canada West, respectively, finished 1-2 in CIS scoring this season. Owens (28 GP, 10-19-29) was the top scoring rearguard in the Atlantic conference.

The second all-Canadian unit is comprised of Queen’s goalie Riley Whitlock, Manitoba’s Jeremy Schappert and UNB’s Jonathan Harty on the blue line, as well as forwards Blair Macaulay of Manitoba, Dean Ouellet of Moncton and Brandon MacLean of Carleton.

All were selected CIS all-stars for the first time. Macaulay was voted the player of the year in Canada West after tallying a CIS-best 23 goals in 28 games.

Joining Harnden on the CIS all-rookie team were Saint Mary’s netminder Anthony Peters, Calgary’s Teigan Zahn and Lakehead’s Mitch Fillman on defence, as well as StFX’s Michael Kirkpatrick and Alberta’s Jordan Hickmott on offence.

2011-2012 CIS MEN'S HOCKEY AWARDS & ALL-CANADIANS

Senator Joseph A. Sullivan Trophy (player of the year): Andrew Clark, Acadia
Defenceman of the year: Marc-André Dorion, McGill
Goaltender of the year: Real Cyr, Alberta
Clare Drake Award (rookie of the year): Zach Harnden, Western
R.W. Pugh Award (most sportsmanlike player): Kyle Ross, Saskatchewan
Father George Kehoe Memorial Award (presented by Coaches of Canada): Serge Bourgeois, Moncton
Dr. Randy Gregg Award (hockey, academics & community service): Kyle Bailey, UNB

First Team

Pos. Athlete University Year Hometown Faculty

G Réal Cyr Alberta 4 Victoire, Sask. Education
D Marc-André Dorion McGill 4 St-Hubert, Que. Physical & Health Education
D Christopher Owens Acadia 2 St. John’s, Nfld. Business Administration
F Andrew Clark Acadia 3 Brandon, Man. Kinesiology
F Keaton Turkiewicz Western 4 Brantford, Ont. King’s College
F Derek Hulak Saskatchewan 2 Saskatoon, Sask. Business

Second Team

G Riley Whitlock Queen’s 4 Calgary, Alta. Law
D Jeremy Schappert Manitoba 2 Winnipeg, Man. Arts
D Jonathan Harty UNB 4 Oromocto, N.B. MBA
F Blair Macaulay Manitoba 3 Winnipeg, Man. Business
F Dean Ouellet Moncton 4 Edmundston, N.B. Management
F Brandon MacLean Carleton 4 Burlington, Ont. Law

All-Rookie Team

G Anthony Peters Saint Mary’s 1 Blyth, Ont. Commerce
D Teigan Zahn Calgary 1 Bethane, Sask. Open Studies
D Mitch Fillman Lakehead 1 Oakville, Ont. Business
F Zach Harnden Western 1 Thunder Bay, Ont. King’s College
F Michael Kirkpatrick StFX 1 North Sydney, N.S. Arts
F Jordan Hickmott Alberta 1 Mission, B.C. Physical Education & Recreation

Source: CIS