The Surrey Eagles honoured their best from the 2009/10 regular season on Sunday, giving out their annual team awards in a special on-ice ceremony before their afternoon tilt with the Williams Lake Timberwolves.
The team’s most prestigious award, the MVP, was given to Andrew Wallace. “Wally” leads the team with 60 points and 11 power play goals. The NCAA-bound Nova Scotia native is also Surrey’s go-to guy in the faceoff circle, and a leader in the dressing room.
The Best Defenseman award went to Jeff Regier. Regier has been the team’s best shutdown blueliner all year, facing the BCHL’s top scorers on nearly every shift. He plays the game with an edge and is a key part of the Surrey defense corps.
Tyler Morley was a double winner, picking up the Heart and Soul award as well as Fan Favourite. Morley’s tenacity and high-energy performance night after night earned him the accolades. He’s a vicious hitter and one of Surrey’s top penalty killers. Morley leads the team with four short-handed goals.
Also picking up two awards on the night was goaltender Vinny Lessard. Lessard was recognized as the team’s Unsung Hero and Most Improved player. Lessard spent last season in the back-up role, but earned the starting position this season with his solid play every time he steps between the pipes. He was been one of the Eagles’ most consistent players, and has stolen more than a few games on nights when the team in front of him has struggled.
Rookie of the Year honours were split between the two Eagles rookies who racked up the most ice time this season – Wes Vannieuwenhuizen and Bradley McGowan. McGowan leads all Eagles rookies in scoring with 11 goals and 33 assists for 44 points. He is one of the team’s most heads-up playmakers. Vannieuwenhuizen has proven himself to be one of the team’s most reliable defensive players. “Wes Van” is also one of the team’s most crushing hitters, and has been willing all year to step up and defend his teammates against all comers.
Cole Gelley was recognized as the Eagles’ Most Sportsmanlike player. Gelley has been the team’s best two-way defensemen all season. He’s been a mainstay on the power play and is reliable in his own zone as well. His smart play has kept him out of the penalty box, leaving him in a position to help his team throughout any game he’s in.
The Surrey Eagles’ annual awards ceremony was a success for fans, volunteers, staff, and players alike. The Eagles capped off the night with a 7-0 victory over the Timberwolves. Tyler Morley picked up a hat trick to go with his trophies.
