This week BC Hockey and teams in BC’s Major Midget Leagues announced various league and team awards that saw three future Smoke Eaters named, with Cam Moger taking home BCMML top honours.
Zack Feaver-MVP, Players Choice award
Feaver, who completed his third season with the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds, set a career high as he nearly doubled his point totals from the previous year. As captain this season the Chilliwack native put up 52 points in 39 games as he finished fourth in league scoring, while having the lowest penalty minutes among the top thirty scorers in the league. That earned him team MVP and Player Choice awards from the Thunderbirds.
“You could certainly tell by watching the Thunderbirds play that Zack was a leader out there. He was not only a very important part offensively but his work ethic and play style drove all off his teammates. To be selected by your peers is an incredible sign of respect and having spent time with Zack it’s easy to see why he is deserving of such an honor. Very mature, well spoken kid and just plays the game the right way.” – AGM Jeff Urekar
Ethan Willoughby- Coaches Choice Award
Willoughby, also from Chilliwack received the Coaches Choice award for the Thunderbirds. Willoughby spent last season with the Abbotsford Pilots before moving to Major Midget with the Thunderbirds for the 2019 season. On the back end he was reliable and steady this season, tallying four goals and eleven helpers.
“Ethan is a very positive hard working kid and seeing him receive this award just goes to highlight how strong of a character this young man has. This award goes to the coaches selection for the player that shows the greatest level of personal improvement, work ethic and the player that embraces the team first mentality. Ethan isn’t a flashy offensive player but you have to appreciate the details in his game to see just how much of an impact on the game he has. He makes a great first pass, defends extremely well and logs a lot of hard minutes much similar to the way Powell Connor would for us. It is great to see Peter and Mike with the Thunderbirds show the same value and appreciation in Ethan’s game as we have.” – AGM Jeff Urekar
Cameron Moger- Player of the Year BCMML
In his first season with the Okanagan Rockets, Cam Moger lead the way in more ways than one. The 17-year-old from Vernon finished 11th in league scoring and first among defenceman. With 10 goals and 37 assists, Moger finished the year eight points ahead of the next closest defenceman. Moger was named to the BCMML All star team to end the year and also was named Player of the Year.
“It was great to see Cam be recognized for the season he put together with the Rockets this year. His 47 points are extremely impressive when you realize he is sitting tied for 4th all time for offensive production by a defenceman. I was able to watch him play a lot this year. He really stood out at the Mac’s tournament where he was consistently one of, if not the best player on the ice most games. His mix of physicality and vision with the puck made it easy to watch him control the play when he was on the ice. When you look at the past players to have been selected MVP or player of the year in the MML it is a very distinguished list so we are very proud to see a future Smoke Eater join that list.- AGM Jeff Urekar
We are very excited to see all of our recruits join our current group of returning players, we have a very strong roster taking shape in Trail for the 2020/21 season
