The accolades keep coming for the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs as four members of the organization were nominated for AJHL awards last week.
The accolades keep coming for the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs as four members of the organization were nominated for AJHL awards last week.
Forwards Bobby McMann and Steenn Pasichnuk, along with defenceman Brinson Pasichnuk and head coach Rick Swan are all finalists for a handful of league awards.
McMann, who has racked up 34 goals and 61 points in 44 games this season, joins Lloydminster goaltender Alex Leclerc, Olds forward Wyatt Noskey and Camrose forward Nelson Gadoury in the race for AJHL MVP.
The 19-year-old sniper leads all MVP candidates in goals (34), game-winning goals (9), power play goals (8) and shorthanded goals (2). McMann's impact on the lineup is undeniable as the team is 21-1-2 when he scores.
"It is great for Bobby to get the mention. I think he has earned the right to be up with the upper echelon of guys in this league," said Swan.
"Brinson Pasichnuk could have been in that same category too."
Bonnyville's 18-year old defenseman has torn up the AJHL this season, leading all AJHL defenceman in scoring. The quick-footed offensive wizard is one of four candidates in the running for defenceman of the year, joining Lloydminster's Christian Lloyd, Brooks' Shane Bear and Okotoks' Carson Beers.
Pasichnuk leads the group in goals (18), assists (43), powerplay points (21) game winning goals (5) and penalty minutes (155). He is also the only one of the four players who is on NHL scouts radar, currently ranked 147th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.
The young defenceman has set a new Pontiacs franchise record for a most goals in a season by a defenceman with 18. His 61 points also have him in a tie with Matthew Register for the most points by a Pontiac's defender in one season.
"He is incredibly deserving. The year he is having is record breaking," said Swan.
Brinson's brother Steenn Pasichnuk also finds himself in the mix for a league award, having been nominated for the AJHL's Most Dedicated Player award.
"He is our heart and soul. He optimizes what a captain should be and what somebody who is the face our your franchise should represent."
Joining Steenn on the list of nominees for most dedicated player include Spruce Grove's Tyler Busch, Calgary Canuck Ben Assad and Noskey.
Bonnyville's 20-year-old captain has posted his best statistical season to date racking up 19 goals and 26 assists over the course of 46 games.
Swan is also up for a league award, sitting among the four finalists for AJHL Coach of the Year. Spruce Grove's Jason McKee, Camrose bench boss Boris Rybalka and Okotoks' James Poole are the other nominees.
Swan was quick to give credit to his players and fellow coaches for getting him recognized as one of the best in the league.
"I am flattered. The coaches here in this league are exceptional," said Swan. "We have a great coaching staff. Larry Draper is an exceptional coach, along with Mark Jensen and Craig Cuthbert."
The league awards will be presented on Feb. 26 and could add to celebration for a team that is on the cusp of breaking a handful of franchise records and become the best Pontiacs squad in the organization's 24-year history.
"This organization is so much better because of Rick, Larry and the three players who have been named as some of the top in the league," said Pontiacs president Jim Martineau.
"What a trio that is. It is such a sad thing knowing that the three aren't going to be here next year. There are some big shoes to fill."
