Mount Royal's Tatum Amy named CW Player of the Year

CALGARY - Mount Royal's Tatum Amy has been named the 2023 Canada West Women's Hockey Player of the Year, the conference announced Thursday.

The Cougars are taking home four of the seven major awards handed out annually by the conference, and in a unique yet amazing accomplishment, Amy has single-handedly won three of them. Calgary and Alberta combine to earn the remaining three prestigious titles.

The regular season conference leaders, UBC Thunderbirds, win the award for Best Goals Against thanks to their defensive core and goaltenders Elise Hugens and Kate Stuart.

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PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Tatum Amy

Amy earns the Player of the Year award after a stellar season that saw her capture the CW scoring title. She did so with her playmaking, notching 24 assists for the Cougars, quarterbacking the team to a 19-6-3 record, good for third in the conference.

Her 31 points in 26 games had her churning out offence at a 1.19 point-per-game clip. Her strong play showed in all facets, as she used her talent and vision to make big plays. She also ensured the team was taken care of at the defensive end. Her plus/minus rating of +18 led the Cougars, just as she did on and off the ice.

The Cougars' captain pushed her team to a third-place finish, which gave them home ice for the first round of the CW Playoffs. Her incredible passing abilities and strong shot have been the wind under the Cougars' wings this season.

"Tatum has been our captain for the past 2 seasons and continues to set the standard for our program each and every day. ​ Her professional approach to being a student-athlete makes everyone around her better on and off the ice. ​ Each year her game has continued to grow and this season it was taken to a whole new level and a big reason for the success we have had to date."
​-Scott Rivett, Head Coach, Mount Royal Cougars

GOALTENDER OF THE YEAR: Halle Oswald

Halle Oswald earns the Goaltender of the Year Award after a standout season that saw her make history. The Pandas' goaltender now holds the CW record for the best goals-against-average in a career with 1.107.

Her mark of 1.19 this season ranked her second in the league, while her 18 wins led all netminders. Oswald found ways to win, putting her Pandas in position to take and maintain leads with big saves and smart plays. Her steady presence in the net frustrated top offences. Three of her six shutouts came against playoff teams.

Oswald's nerves of steel helped her Pandas push through close games. She never allowed more than three goals in a game throughout the season. Regardless of what she faced, the fourth-year never seemed flustered. The Sanford, MB product rarely allowed team a second chance, exhibiting excellent rebound control. She plays the game with sound fundamentals and a high level of confidence.

“Halle has been the backbone of our team over the second half of the season. ​ She is a highly competitive athlete that challenges our players to be better shooters in practice. The confidence that she exudes in games has emanated from the net out to her teammates. She helps all of us believe that we can succeed in any game that we play.”
​-Howie Draper, Head Coach, Pandas Hockey

TOP DEFENCEMAN: Emma Bergesen

Emma Bergesen is voted the league's top defender in just her third year in Canada West. Bergesen possesses the vision and poise of a seasoned veteran from the blue line. Those attributes, teamed with her rocket of a slapshot and hockey IQ helped her to 22 points this season, the most in the conference among defenders.

The product of Stavenger, Norway works her way around opponents with ease, while keeping her end of the ice safe from attack. She helped her Cougars to a 19-6-3 record on the season, putting them third heading into playoffs.

Bergesen was a plus nine and powerplay aficionado, notching 10 of her points on the man advantage.

An excellent team player, Bergesen helps propel her team forward from the back end, leading a defensive core that will look to grow even stronger in the coming years.

"This is a well deserved honour for Emma. ​ Her competitive nature and commitment to push herself to get better since she came to MRU four years ago is a great example to all of our players. ​ Emma's attention to detail combined with her natural skill made her an impactful player this entire season in any situation she was put in."
​-Scott Rivett, Head Coach, Mount Royal Cougars

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Sydney Mercier

Calgary's Sydney Mercier earns the CW Rookie of the Year award after leading all first-years in scoring. She posted nine goals and 11 assists for 22 points this season, stepping into a major role for her Calgary Dinos right away.

Mercier was the second-leading scorer for the Dinos, helping them claw their way to a fourth-place ranking. She picked up steam down the stretch, pushing her team to eight wins in their final 10 games.

Aside from her offensive talents and grit, Mercier showed her all-around value. The Saskatoon, SK product was a plus 13 in the regular season despite her Dinos only posting 5 goals more than they allowed.

Mercier showed she knows how to shine in the big moments, putting together a special season that gives Calgary a lot to be excited about.

"We are incredibly proud of Sydney and thrilled she has received this recognition from Canada West. Sydney gained confidence throughout the season, which was reflected in her play. She brings engaged energy to the rink every day. She loves the game. She is a student of the game. Her natural hockey sense and willingness to earn her opportunities have proven to be a good combination for both her individually and for our program. She's a great teammate both on and off the ice and we are all excited to see what the future holds for her."
​-Carla MacLeod, Head Coach, Calgary Dinos

SPORTSMANSHIP & ABILITY: Tatum Amy

Tatum Amy also wins the Sportsmanship & Ability Award, a symbol of her character both on and off the ice. Genuine in her actions, Amy is a leader who endeavours to do right by every person in her life.

A tremendous ambassador of her team and Canada West, Amy plays the game with a high level of integrity. The Cougars' captain believes firmly in giving back to her community, while setting an excellent example for her teammates.

Her tireless work effort is evident in everything she does, paying off as she led the league in points this year. She took just 18 penalty minutes, despite playing the game hard every time she stepped on the ice.

This prestigious award speaks volumes about the character of the graduating student-athlete.

"Tatum is the hardest working player I have ever coached on and off the ice. ​ She brings her best every day and demands that of those around her. ​ She is our captain and true leader in every aspect. ​ She is a highly competitive kid who has a positive attitude which is why she is a leader for us on and off the ice and why she has worn a letter for us the past 4 years. ​ Beyond the remarkable season that Tatum had this year on the ice she also plays the game the right way. ​ She shows everyone around our game a high degree of respect and takes a great deal of pride in being a student-athlete in Canada West and for MRU. ​ This award shows that her actions and behaviours on the ice in combination with her ability are also respected around our conference."
​-Scott Rivett, Head Coach, Mount Royal Cougars

STUDENT-ATHLETE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNER: Tatum Amy

It's not just on and around the ice where Amy shines. In addition to the two major awards outlined above, Amy has also earned the Student-Athlete Community Service Award, given to the most well-rounded hockey player in Canada West. Balancing academics and athletics is a challenge at best, but Amy's commitment and perserverence allows her to thrive while also finding time to spend more than 130 hours volunteering.

Her dedication to her team, studies, and community is admirable. The two-time Academic All-Canadian posted a 4.0 in her first semester this year. She somehow still finds time to help six different non-profit organizations. She spends time with HEROS Hockey, an organization that uses hockey to empower marginalized youth. She's aiming to even the playing field through work with the Flames Equipment Bank. The Birtle, MB product further helps children and youth through mentorship with Extreme Hockey.

Amy encourages physical activity and helps others reap the rewards from it through her volunteerism with local marathons.

Amy has also been selected to the Hockey Canada Creating Coaches Program, a testament to how strong her leadership abilities are.

"Tatum not only sets the standard on the ice for our program, but she continues to do it in the community as well. ​ Not only has she become a role model in our program, but over the past couple of years she has given back hundreds of hours to a number of initiatives that help make those in our community better. She's become a role model for many young athletes."
​-Scott Rivett, Head Coach, Mount Royal Cougars

COACH OF THE YEAR: Howie Draper

Howie Draper adds to his lengthy list of accolades with this latest Coach of the Year nod. ​ This is the eighth time he's earned the honour, most recently in 2019. The decorated coach is a 13-time CW champion and eight-time U SPORTS national champion. He's won the U SPORTS Coach of the Year award four times.

This season continued that legacy of excellence. He led the Pandas to a 21-6-1 record, helping them capture second place in the conference. He guided a team with 17 first and second-years to 43 points. The young squad punches above their class, appearing seasoned as they await their semi-final series after earning a bye through the first round of the playoffs.

"It is very fitting that Howie be recognized as the Canada West Coach of the Year in this year, the twenty-fifth season of play for the Pandas Hockey program, with Howie serving as the head coach for every one of those seasons. Howie's ability to attract and develop the hockey student-athletes, assistant coaches and support staff that the Pandas Hockey team has needed to be consistently competitive in Canada West women's hockey is exceptional. I congratulate Howie and his staff on earning this recognition. It is well deserved."
​-Katie Spriggs, Interterim Director of Athletics, Alberta Golden Bears & Pandas