Graduating team captain Chris Hugo was named Cochrane Generals most-dedicated player at the Heritage Junior Hockey League team’s awards banquet March 27 at Killarney’s in Cochrane.
The 22-year-old forward sniped 11 goals and added an assist in a 34-game campaign, leading Cochrane to its best regular-season finish (25-10-0-3) since the team’s 37-win season in 2009.
His in-your-grille style of play earned him 109 penalty minutes. Hugo was also honoured with the presentation of his No. 25 captain’s sweater in his graduation year.
Veteran Craig Packard received the team’s Defenceman of the Year and Coach’s Choice awards. “Mr. Reliable” was a rock on the blueline all season, finishing seventh in team scoring with 10 goals and 15 assists in 35 games. The 20-year-old d-man was a force at both ends of the ice, taking his game to a higher level in his fourth Gens season, particularly on the power play where he netted half his goals. Along with Austin Keller, Dustin Ponath, Logan Brown and the Matts, Kaczur and Dunne, the Gens boasted one of the league’s top defensive corps in the league this season. All are eligible to return in the fall.
Cochrane’s High Score award-winner Talus Hume was also named the team’s Most Valuable Player. The 18-year-old, third-year forward amassed 19 goals and 26 assists in 38 games this season. He was particularly sharp down the stretch scoring key overtime goals to help Cochrane bag second place in the HJHL South Division and a first-round playoff bye. Linemate Slater Ransom was named the team’s top rookie, the 18-year-old forward sniping 10 goals and adding 23 assists this season.
Rookie Connor Rendell was named the team’s Most Improved Player, his complete game filling in as the season progressed. The 19-year-old forward finished with nine goals and 23 assists in 25 games.
Forward Sayer McDonald was voted team’s Most Popular player in an online poll.
The President’s award, presented by team president Ken Soloski, went to equipment manager Mitch Lawson.
Third-year Gens general manager Jacqui Hurlbert was named the team’s volunteer of the year. Defenceman Ponath won the annual Bon Ton Meat Market scholarship.
High Score: Talus Hume, forward
Rookie of Year: Slater Ransom, forward
Most Improved Player: Connor Rendell, forward
Defenceman of Year: Craig Packard
Most Popular Player: Sayer McDonald
Most Dedicated Player: Chris Hugo, captain, forward
Coach’s Choice Award: Packard
Most Valuable Player: Hume
Graduating Player: Hugo
Bon Ton Meat Market Scholarship: Dustin Ponath
President’s Award: Mitch Lawson
Volunteer of Year: Jacqui Hurlbert
