MHKY: MRU, UBC athletes rule the all-star roster
All-stars announced with puck set to drop on semi-final action
CALGARY — Duos from Mount Royal and British Columbia dominate this year's first all-star team, Canada West announced Wednesday as it unveiled its men's all-star and all-rookie rosters.
The conference's top three teams (ALB, UBC, MRU) combined for 10 of the 18 all-star and all-rookie selections, while Calgary, Saskatchewan and Regina also rostered honourees.
1st Team All-Stars
MRU forwards Nolan Yaremko and Riley Sawchuk were offensive dynamos this season, while UBC forward Tyler Sandhu and goalie Rylan Toth formed the backbone for the Thunderbirds with their consistent play. ALB's Clayton Kirichenko and CGY's Ryan Gagnon shined on the defensive end for their respective teams while helping feed their offences.
All-stars prepare for semifinal action
These athletes are now aiming to add another title to their names: CW Champions. Their four teams are set to square off in the semifinals this weekend.
Alberta and British Columbia finished one-two in the CW regular season and are now preparing to host Calgary and Mount Royal respectively.
The dominant Golden Bears have owned this title and will be going for their 29th banner. British Columbia is determined to bring home the first CW men's hockey trophy in program history.
The hot Mount Royal Cougars are coming off a two-game sweep of the Regina Cougars, while Calgary picked up steam through a three-game series victory on the road over the Saskatchewan Huskies last weekend.
Full playoff details, results and recaps here.
POSITION / NAME / UNIVERSITY / YEAR / PROGRAM / HOMETOWN
First Team All-Stars
G / Rylan Toth / British Columbia / 4 / Arts / Saskatoon, SK
D / Clayton Kirichenko / Alberta / 4 / Kin., Sport, & Rec. / Sherwood Park, AB
D / Ryan Gagnon / Calgary / 4 / Arts / Quesnel, BC
F / Nolan Yaremko / Mount Royal / 2 / Business / Spirit River, AB
F / Riley Sawchuk / Mount Royal / 2 / Business / Prince Albert, SK
F / Tyler Sandhu / British Columbia / 4 / Arts / Richmond, BC
POSITION / NAME / UNIVERSITY / YEAR / PROGRAM / HOMETOWN
2nd Team All-Stars
G / Brandon Holtby / Regina / 4 / Business Admin. / Regina, SK
D / Connor Hobbs / Saskatchewan / 3 / Business / Saskatoon, SK
D / Jonathan Smart / British Columbia / 2 / Business / Kelowna, BC
F / Grayson Pawlenchuk / Alberta / 3 / Business / Ardrossan, AB
F / Conner Chaulk / Regina / 3 / Business Admin. / Regina, SK
F / Jared Dmytriw / Saskatchewan / 2 / Business / Craven, SK
POSITION / NAME / UNIVERSITY / YEAR / PROGRAM / HOMETOWN
All-Rookie Team
G / Carl Stankowski / Calgary / 1 / Open Studies / Kelowna, BC
D / Dylan Plouffe / Alberta / 1 / Business / Sherwood Park, AB
D / Noah King / Calgary / 1 / Open Studies / Winnipeg, MB
F / Riley Sawchuk / Mount Royal / 1 / Business / Prince Albert, SK
F / Zane Franklin / Saskatchewan / 1 / Business / Marwayne, AB
F / Gary Haden / Alberta / 1 / Native Studies / Airdrie, AB