Drumheller, AB: The Drumheller Dragons have completed the 2022-2023 AJHL regular season with a 3rd place ranking in the South Division. This season the Dragons saw a number of accomplishments, both for the team and for some key individuals. The Dragons had an 8-game win streak earlier in the year, just two away from a franchise record of 10. The team also scored 229 goals this season, second most for a season in franchise history. The organization also saw multiple players earn NCAA scholarships with commitments coming from Vann Yuhas, Coy Pighin, and Easton Adrian this season. Prior to our final regular season home game, the Dragons held their year-end player awards ceremony which saw a number of players recognized for their outstanding season as a Dragon.
Dragons Fan Favourite Award – Sam Simard
Team captain Sam Simard earned the honour of being named the Dragons fan favourite player. Simard is known for his out-going and positive personality, both in the dressing room and when interacting with fans in the community. He has played three seasons with the Dragons, and has made a lasting impression both in the community and with fans of all ages during his last year of junior hockey.
Community Involvement Award – Ben Christian
Ben Christian was this year’s Dragons nominee for the AJHL’s RBC Community Ambassador Award. Ben is an outstanding member of Drumheller Dragons organization and inspires his teammates to create positive impacts within the community. He is a true representation of what it means to be a leader both on and off of the ice. Christian has won this award for the second year in a row, and we thank him for his tremendous efforts in supporting the community of Drumheller.
Academic Achievement Award – Easton Adrian
The Drumheller Dragons take great pride in developing student-athletes and preparing them for education past high school. During the 2022-2023 season, the Dragons team grade point average was at a 3.8, with Easton maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. We would like to credit our amazing players for their dedication to excelling both on the ice and in the classroom, and would like to thank our education team led by Dave Wood for their time and effort working with our players.
Faubion Family Unsung Hero Award – Connor Poffenroth
Connor Poffenroth has earned our Unsung Hero Award for the 2022-2023 season. Poffenroth plays an important role within the team, as his veteran presence and consistent game helps our young team excel during the season. Poffenroth was also named the Dragons nominee for the AJHL’s Greatest Teammate Award, highlighting his tremendous character and passion to helping his teammates through the adversity they face throughout the season.
Hardest Working Dragon – Jacob Goudreau
Jacob Goudeau has had an impressive first season in the AJHL as a 16-year-old player. Goudreau has been a staple on the Dragons penalty kill and is a standout for his fearless play and work ethic while on the ice. Despite being a smaller player, he plays a physical game and has been a valuable member to the Dragons lineup all season long.
Most Improved Player – Tate Yule
Tate Yule has seen great strides in his game this season, and is now one of the most trusted defencemen on the Dragons back-end. This is credited to the work and dedication he has put into this season and the skill of our coaching staff.
Rookie of the Year – Coy Pighin
Coy Pighin has been one of the AJHL’s top rookies all season long. Pighin finished the season with 33 points in just 40 games, and sits among the league’s top rookies in points per game average. During the season, he also earned himself a NCAA Division I commitment to Colorado College.
Top Defenceman – Easton Adrian
Easton Adrian had an impressive season for a young player in the AJHL. He led the Dragons in both defencemen scoring and rookie scoring, and finished 13th in AJHL defencemen scoring. With this offensive output, he earned himself a NCAA Division I commitment to the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.
Top Scorer – Ty Daneault
Ty Daneault was chasing history all season long. He finished 2nd in franchise history with 37 goals this season, just two behind the all-time record. He led the team in scoring from start to finish, recording 65 points in 53 games for the Dragons. Daneault also finished 14th in the AJHL for points and 4th in the league for goals this season, just five behind the league leader.
Most Valuable Player – Ty Daneault
The selection of the Dragon’s MVP Award for the 2022-2023 season was an easy one. Daneault has had one of the most impressive and remarkable seasons by a Dragons player in franchise history. Daneault’s list of accomplishments include being named the CJHL Player of the Month, AJHL Player of the Month, getting ranked on the NHL Central Scouting List, and representing Canada West at the World Jr. A Challenge where he set a tournament record with 4 goals in one game.
Jeff Hendricks Memorial Scholarship Winner – Ty Whitford
Ty Whitford is one of the most seasoned veterans in the league, and leads all Dragons players in games played in the AJHL. Over five seasons in the AJHL, two of which were spent with the Drumheller Dragons, Whitford has totaled 219 games played and over 100 points. He has had an impressive season this year with the Dragons, recording 40 points in 53 games.