The Vernon Vipers held their annual team awards night with veterans Mike Zalewski and Patrick McGillis picking up the most hardware.
Zalewski, 19, was the Vipers’ top scorer with 38 goals and 37 assists, both of which led the team. He scored the tying goals that anchored two big comeback wins versus the Prince George Spruce Kings.
The most dominant Viper this season, Mike was named MVP.
He will attend and play hockey at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute next year, just an hour away from his home in New Hartford, N.Y.
McGillis missed half the season because of a high ankle sprain but after his Captain’s remarks to the 200+ fans and team officials in attendance, he won the Blueliners’ scholarship of $900, he was named the team’s most sportsmanlike player, and he was the co-winner of the Rienie Holland community service award along with Max Mowat.
McGillis is still weighing his hockey and school options for next year.
Here are the other award winners:
Fan Favourite: Riley Hunt
Unsung Hero: Aaron Hadley
Rookie of the Year: Adam Tambellini
Bill Brown Academic Excellence: Ryan Renz
Sun Valley Source for Sports most improved player: Jedd Soleway
Shorthanded goal award: Darren Nowick
Top defenceman: Brett Corkey
