The Blackfalds Bulldogs 2023-24 season wrapped up on Saturday night with the presentation of the team awards for the season. 14 awards were handed out after the game.
The first award handed out was the Collicutt Energy Most Improved Player Award. It goes to the player who has developed the most from the beginning of the season and Trent LeDrew took home the honours. Presenting him with the award is Bulldogs Head Coach Doug Quinn as well as Hudson and Bryan Frith representing Collicutt Energy. LeDrew scored 4 goals and 12 points in 47 games.
The second award presented was the Rotor Tech Canada Top Defenceman. It goes to the defensive player who performed at the highest level all season. Carter Patterson was presented the award by Bulldogs Director of Community Relations and Partnerships Michelle Brown on behalf of Rotor Tech Canada. Patterson scored 8 goals and 39 points in 55 games played.
The third award handed out after the game was the Reid and Wright Advertising Top Forward. It goes to the forward who performed at the highest level all season. Representing Reid and Wright Advertising was Sebastian Salazar to present the award to Hunter Brown. Brown had 18 goals and 54 points in 63 games played with the Bulldogs.
The Blackfalds Bulldogs Foundation Community Hero award goes to the player that exudes community passion while maintaining excellence in being a team member and attending school. Kody Willick was presented the award by Bulldogs Foundation Board Member Jodie Jamieson.
The next award handed out was the Career Assistance Network Best Grade Point Average (GPA) Award. It goes to the player who had the best academic grade point average of the year. Ashton Selig and Aaron Sheppard presented the award to Otto Hanson.
The Bizisul Volunteer of the Year goes to the player that has the highest volunteer hours and highest reviews from the community. Tyrel and Tristen Brown presented the award to Josh Sale. The Bulldogs community hours leaderboard was topped by Sale. He visited the Central Alberta Humane Society weekly as well as visited local schools. Sale was also the team’s nominee for the British Columbia Hockey League’s Kyle Turris Award which goes to BCHL players who go above and beyond in their community.
The Evolution Inspections Teammate of the year goes to the greatest teammate on and off the ice who contributes to their team and community. Jason and Remy Wattie presented the award to Alexander Dimitriadis.
The RDI Rookie of the Year goes to the player who performed at the highest level in their first season of junior hockey. Luke Dahlen was presented the award by Trevor and Gage Leinweber. Dahlen had 13 goals and 32 points in 59 games. In 20 BCHL games, he had 8 goals and 15 points.
The next award handed out for the season was the Fan Favourite Award. It was determined by a combination of a fan vote as well as interaction of players’ content on social media. Bulldogs Director of Broadcast and Media Scott Stimson presented the award to Dakota MacIntosh.
Next up, was the Milano for Men Scoring Leader. It goes to the player who scored the most points this season. Brendan Ross was presented the award by Shannon and Ajoy Joseph. He lead the team in goals (47) and points (95). Both those reset the franchise records for most goals and points in a season.
The Q2 Artificial Lift Services Work Champion Award goes to the player who takes initiative to better themselves by exploring employment opportunities and gaining experience for their future while giving 100% as a team member and employee. Bulldogs Head Coach Doug Quinn presented the award to Josh Knittig and Alexander Dimitriadis.
The next award was the Western Wallprinting Most Valuable Player. It goes to the player who performed at the highest level all season. Brendan Ross was presented the award by Sherryll Friestadt. Ross also set the franchise records for most career goals and points.
The penultimate award handed out was the inaugural Kody Willick Award. The award is named after Bulldogs captain Kody Willick who embodies passion and leadership with his great work ethic and determination on and off the ice. It goes to the individual whose selflessness, dedicated efforts, excellent work ethic and outstanding contributions that have made a significant difference in our brand and community. Kody Willick presented the award to Scott Stimson.
Finally, the awards were wrapped up with the presentation of the Owners Award for Heart and Hustle. It goes to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of hard work, hustle, and determination. Josh Knittig was presented the award by Bulldogs Owners Doug and Jodie Quinn.
The Bulldogs finished the season with a 39-22-7 record and in third spot of the Alberta Division in the BCHL. The Bulldogs begin the Rogers BCHL Playoffs on Friday, April 19th in Sherwood Park for Game 1 of the Alberta Division Semifinals at 7pm. Games 3 and 4 will be played at the Eagle Builders Centre on Tuesday, April 23rd and Wednesday, April 24th. Puck drop for both games is 7pm. If necessary, Game 6 will be played on Sunday, April 28th at 2pm in the Eagle Builders Centre.
Join the Blackout by purchasing tickets to the Bulldogs home playoff games here.
