Abbotsford (Ethan Allin – BCIT Radio Arts and Journalism) – Votes were cast, counted, and the results are finally here for the Abbotsford Canucks inaugural season awards.
The best part was that fans got the chance to vote on the team’s 2021-22 most valuable player, a fan favourite, unsung hero, and rookie of the year. Voting closed on April, 24.
Despite being called up to Vancouver in the latter part of the season forward Sheldon Dries took home the award for the most valuable player. Not surprising that Vancouver wanted to take a look at him as he leads Abbotsford in goals with 35. Dries leads the American Hockey League in power-play goals with 18 and sits second in team scoring
with 62 points in 53 games. While up with Vancouver, Dries production has been noted, collecting three points in nine games this season.
Defenceman Jack Rathbone has shown all season how vital he is to the success of the Abbotsford Canucks as fans awarded him with both the fan favourite and rookie of the year awards. Rathbone has been outstanding in Abbotsford recording 40 points in 37 games. His skating, shot, and vision has made him an integral part of the Canucks
power-play this season. Rathbone has 1.08 points per game and is seventh amongst all rookies. His 30 assists are ranked third on the Canucks. His success in Abbotsford this season makes Rathbone a true option on the blue line next season for Vancouver.
Former Saskatoon Blades captain Chase Wouters hasn’t looked out of place at all this season in Abbotsford. The rookie was awarded the unsung hero award, transforming himself from an undrafted prospect, into a strong two-way player. Wouters has become one of Abbotsford’s best penalty killers, currently second on the Canucks at +19 for
plus/minus, all while collecting 18 points in 58 games.
Last but not least is defencemen Noah Juulsen. He won the only award not voted on by the fans – the man of the year. This award puts away the stats and looks at who is a great player on the ice, and a better person off of it. Juulsen made initiatives to help out in the community during the floods, events, and charities. Noah has been able to continue that with some great play on the ice collecting 16 points in 48 games. Juulsen recorded 2 points while playing eight games for Vancouver this season. The Abbotsford Canucks will nominate Noah Juulsen for the “Yanick Dupre Memorial” Award as the AHL’s Man of the Year.
