The Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs have proven time and time again they are a team to be reckoned with, and their most recent accolades solidify the impressive future of the young team.
For the second time in Pontiac history, two players were named to the AJHL Viterra All-Rookie Team.
Lucas Thorne and Kirby Proctor were selected as some of the top young players the league has to offer.
Head coach Rick Swan said he couldn't be happier with the success of his players.
"It's really well deserved for both Kirby and Lucas."
He continued, "Our record reflects that we are young, but the record these players accomplished this year and the growth that guys like Lucas and Kirby... those guys showed just how promising the Bonnyville Pontiacs are going to be moving forward."
The All-Rookie Team is made up of players selected by the general managers of the league.
For example, Swan would have selected one goalie, three defencemen and three forwards as his nominations for the team. Then, general managers from across the north zone vote on the players they think deserve the accolades.
"You can only pick three forwards and two defencemen in our entire league for the north division," Swan expressed. "I'm sure, in my mind, there may have been more Pontiacs who would have been considered for the award as well."
Swan commended the players on their first season with the Pontiacs.
Thorne managed to top the team roster for points, with a total of 41 for the whole season. The 19-year-old right-winger played 63 games, scored 16 goals, and 25 assists.
Not far behind is his fellow rookie teammate. Proctor, 17, played 57 games with a total of five goals and 20 assists. The defenceman landed himsrelf 24 points for the whole season.
"Both Kirby and Lucas are guys that take advantage of the program that we have in Bonnyville with our off-ice as well as the amenities that we offer the to ensure they come to the rink everyday to get better. It was certainly noticed by our peer coaches and general managers within the league," noted Swan.
He continued, "Lucas played 60 games, and he was our top scorer. He was a threat because he got to play in situations that not too many first year guys get to because of the youth of our team. Kirby is no different. He's a 16-year-old that played a lot for us, and he showed with his ability and development he had throughout the year and where he started with was pretty significant and evident to anybody in the hockey world who was paying attention. Obviously, those guys in the hockey world were paying attention to those two, and that's why they're getting the honours they did."
Swan said the Pontiacs were proud of Thorne and Proctor's "tremendous year."
"The have a lot of ability, more so than anything, they brought it every night. You have to be consistent in order to be competitive in this league and both of those guys did."
He believes this recognition proves the future of the Pontiacs is bright.
"It's really exciting and optimistic to see what the future holds for the Bonnyville Pontiacs."
