Mount Royal's Riley Sawchuk named CW Player of the Year

CALGARY - Mount Royal's Riley Sawchuk has been named the 2023 Canada West Men's Hockey Player of the Year, the conference announced Wednesday.

The conference unveiled its complete list of men's hockey major award-winners, which included student-athletes from Calgary, Mount Royal, Saskatchewan and Alberta, each taking home the league's top honour in their respective categories.

This year's Adam Kryczka Memorial Trophy, which goes to the team with the fewest goals against, will be awarded to Carl Tetachuk, Carl Stankowski and Brodan Salmond of the Calgary Dinos. The Dinos' trio allowed just 63 goals this year. Calgary also wins the CW Fair Play Trophy for the fewest amount of penalty minutes (362).

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PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Riley Sawchuk

Riley Sawchuk is no stranger to Canada West accolades, but this one tops his already stellar list. The second-year forward has been voted the CW Player of the Year after leading the conference in points, notching an outstanding 12 more than any player not on his forward line. He put up 49 in 27 games.

He also led in goals (20), points per game (1.81) and plus-minus rating (+30, tied with teammate Connor Bouchard).

The reigning CW Rookie of the Year is now the best in the conference in just his second season. And he's shown no limit to what magic he can create on U SPORTS ice. His skill, work ethic and drive to succeed are a deadly combination, terrifying to teams across Canada West.

The triple threat is a danger every time he jumps over the boards with his shot, sight and speed. He's also shown a well-rounded game, a rare elite scorer who also kills penalties for the Cougars.

Sawchuk has signed a contract with the Grand Rapid Griffins of the the AHL for next season. The team is the affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings.

"Riley has had an exceptional season in Canada West men's hockey and has taken his game to another level after achieving the rookie of the year last season. He is an explosive offensive player that has a heavy shot and excellent play making ability. "Sawch" has also taken pride in being good defensively, including on the penalty kill. He is a gritty competitor who has embraced a leadership role on our team where he inspires with his work ethic on the ice and commitment to conditioning." ​
​-Bert Gilling, Head Coach, Mount Royal Cougars

GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR: Carl Tetachuk

Carl Tetachuk took the conference by storm from the moment he stepped onto Canada West ice, which says a lot for an athlete who plays a position that is often overlooked until problems arise.

Tetachuk, a rookie, stood out for all the right reasons. He was named the CW WHL Grad of the Month for November/December then helped his Dinos grow even stronger. He was a major factor in Calgary flipping the script on the preseason coaches' poll, which had the team ranked fifth of nine teams. Instead, Tetachuk helped them to a CW record 23 win streak, which was still active at the end of the regular season.

Along the way, he posted two shutouts and the second-best save percentage in the conference (.914). But nothing was more impressive than Tetachuk's ability to rise to the big moments, making unbelievable saves when his team needed him the most.

His iron-clad mindset kept the Dinos in close games and allowed them to squeak out wins when the odds seemed stacked against them.

"“Carl is very deserving of being selected as the Canada West Goaltender of the Year in 2023. ​ He came into our program and has been very consistent from the beginning of the year and given our team a chance to win each night. ​ Carl has a tremendous work ethic and is very coachable, working with our goaltending coach, Brad Kirkwood. We are very proud of Carl and thank him for what he brings to our program each day.”
​-Mark Howell, Head Coach, Calgary Dinos

TOP DEFENCEMAN (Mervyn "Red" Dutton Trophy winner) : Connor Hobbs

Connor Hobbs is the epitome of a stand-out defender. The fourth-year Saskatoon, SK product averaged more than a point-per-game, showing off his talent, hockey IQ and grit on both ends of the ice.

His 32 points this season led all defencemen. Eighteen of those came on the powerplay, where Hobbs grabbed the spotlight. His all-around game makes him a cornerstone player while his leadership makes those around him better.

A rare triple threat from the blueline, Hobbs has been one to watch this season, or if you're his opponent, one to watch out for.

"“Without a doubt, Connor has earned the honour of being named the Canada West Defenseman of the Year. Connor is an electrifying player on the ice, but more importantly he is an exceptional leader, a dedicated student, and the ultimate teammate. We are proud of Connor for his accomplishment.” ​
​-Brandin Cote, Head Coach, Saskatchewan Huskies

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Jakin Smallwood

A stranger to CW ice until this season, Jakin Smallwood immediately made it his home, looking comfortable as he sped through opposing defences with ease. The rookie threw up 35 points in 26 games, establishing himself sixth on the conference's scoring leaderboard.

Smallwood operated like a surgeon, needing only the slightest opportunity to make opponents pay. He scored on an astounding 25.4 per cent of his shots, by far the most efficient scorer on the second-ranked Golden Bears roster.

He used his speed and size to dictate action in the offensive zone, driving play towards the front of the net. He is an excellent finisher, both from in tight and distance with his powerful shot.

After spending last season with the Winnipeg Ice of the WHL, Smallwood returned to his home province to put on a show for fans in and around Edmonton.

He was no stranger to the spotlight this year, coming up big when his team needed a boost. He notched a couple game-winning goals while posting a plus 19. The valuable player gives the Golden Bears a lot to be excited about.

“Jakin has had an outstanding rookie season. He always comes to the rink with a great attitude and work ethic. With his speed, skills, hockey sense and versatility, he has been able to excel in all situations. Jakin is a great addition to the program and we are looking forward to seeing how far he develops while helping the team achieve our future goals.”
​-Ian Herbers, Head Coach, Alberta Golden Bears

SPORTSMANSHIP & ABILITY (UBC HOCKEY ALUMNI TROPHY): Matt Fonteyne

Captaining the storied Alberta Golden Bears means filling big shoes. But they're ones Matt Fonteyne wears perfectly. Through his on-ice performance and leadership, he sets an excellent example for his teammates.

Fonteyne ended the regular season averaging better than a point-per-game. The third-year forward put up ten goals and 17 assists, pushing the Bears to a second-place finish. He displays a high-level intelligence of the game both on and off the ice, and plays in an admirable way.

Fonteyne was a plus 17 this season, putting in work in both the offensive and defensive zones. The highly talented athlete is a member of the power play and penalty kill units. Despite logging serious minutes, he only took four minutes of penalty time. Fonteyne possesses a high caliber of sportsmanship, showing consistent respect to his teammates, opponents and officials.

The Wetaskiwin, AB product has been the glue for his young Golden Bears squad, which consists of 19 first- and second-year players. He's been the conduit, carrying the program's legacy of excellence.

“Matt is the leader of our team on and off the ice. He consistently leads by example whether it is academics, workouts, practices or games. Matt has played with multiple wingers throughout the season and has been able to elevate their games while maintaining his dominant play. He is a key player for us in all situations and is heavily relied upon. Matt is a perfect example of a Golden Bears student-athlete.”
​-Ian Herbers, Head Coach, Alberta Golden Bears
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STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNER: Connor Blake

Connor Blake excels in every arena he enters. The third-year defenceman has played a major role in the Cougars' second-best GAA this season, while shining in the classroom and making a difference in his community.

In addition to managing the demands of being an elite student-athlete, Blake finds time to be a role model and friend to youth with cognitive challenges. He volunteers with SuperHEROES, which provides children with disabilities the opportunity to learn the game of hockey. He creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for them to create connections, learn skills and enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity.

Blake has been an active volunteer with SuperHEROES for four years. He also finds time to volunteer with Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary (AAFS). The organization provides respite care for children and youth on the spectrum of autism. Blake helps them form meaningful friendships while providing strength training for the organization. His impact is felt deeply on those who know him.

"MRU Cougar Hockey is so proud that Connor is receiving the Student-Athlete Community Service Award. What a tremendous honour and so deserving for an outstanding student-athlete and person. From day one in our program he has displayed high character leadership and selfless service within the program and in the greater community. This is a great reward for all the hours and dedication to others that Connor has put in and we could not be more proud."
​-Bert Gilling, Head Coach, Mount Royal Cougars

COACH OF THE YEAR: Mark Howell

The man at the helm of the league-leading Calgary Dinos has been named Coach of the Year after pushing his team to exceed expectations in 2022-23. Mark Howell has coached his team to a CW-record 23-straight victories to end the regular season, a special feat that can only be accomplished through strong leadership.

Howell has won this award twice before, in 2011 and 2014. He was named the CIS Coach of the Year in 2011.

"“Mark and his staff did a tremendous job this year. A historic season like the one the Dinos had doesn’t happen without buy-in and belief from every member of the team, and the group he assembled and coached to a first-place finish has totally completely in. Combined with his role in Canada’s gold medal win at the Lake Placid World University Games, it has been an incredible year for Mark, and we look forward to seeing what’s in store in the postseason.”
​-Ben Matchett, Athletic Director, Calgary Dinos