2020-21 Coquitlam Pod Award Winners

Photo credits: Garrett James Photography

After polling coaches and broadcasters from the three teams in the Coquitlam Pod, the league has determined the winners of the Coquitlam Pod Awards.

Coquitlam Pod Most Valuable Player

Christian Fitzgerald (Surrey Eagles) – 19GP – 13G – 20A – 33PTS

If there was also an award for the most improved player in the league, Fitzgerald would likely be the frontrunner for that as well. After putting up six points in 44 games last year, the 18-year-old broke out in a big way this year, leading the league in scoring with 33 points in 20 games. His 20 assists tied him for the most in the BCHL, while his 13 goals put him in a tie for sixth most in the league. Fitzgerald did most of his damage with the man advantage with 20 of his points coming on the power play, the most in the league. The Coquitlam, B.C. native was a model of consistency for the Eagles, registering at least a point in all but one of his 19 games played. Fitzgerald is committed to Minnesota State University.

Coquitlam Pod Top Goalie

Thomas Scarfone (Surrey Eagles) – 10GP – 10-1-1 – .930 SV% – 1.85 GAA – 1 SO

The 20-year-old Scarfone was rock solid in net for the Eagles in his final year of junior hockey. Scarfone finished third in the BCHL in save percentage with a mark of .930, as well as goals-against average at 1.85. He ended the pod season with a record of 7-1-1 in 10 starts. Over his final six appearances, the Montreal, Que. native allowed just four goals. Scarfone finishes his two-year BCHL career with 21 wins, a .922 save percentage, a 2.50 goals-against average and two shutouts. He is committed to the Rochester Institute of Technology next season.

Coquitlam Pod Top Defenceman

Ben Brunette (Powell River Kings) – 20GP – 4G – 6A – 10PTS

Brunette was acquired by the Kings via a trade in January, but he seemed to fit in right away with his new teammates. The 18-year-old led Kings defencemen in all offensive categories, including goals (4), assists (6) and points (10). His coaches and teammates were so impressed with his play that they decided to name him an assistant captain midway through the pod season and give him more of a leadership role. He is committed to UMass-Lowell.

Coquitlam Pod Top Rookie

Keeton Oakley (Coquitlam Express) – 20GP – 7G – 13A – 20PTS

Oakley was on loan to the Express from the Langley Rivermen who opted out of the pod season and that turned out to be a key acquisition for Coquitlam. The 19-year-old from Aldergrove, B.C. finished first in rookie scoring in the Coquitlam Pod, ending his season at a point per game with 20 in 20 contests. Oakley had 13 assists, which was most on the team and also finished second in Express scoring.