Today the AJHL has released their 2024-25 League Award Finalists, and five Dragons are up for six different league awards!
Tate Yule (Outstanding Defenceman & Most Dedicated Player)
The Dragons captain has been the ultimate leader for the team both on and off the ice all season long. The 20-year-old defenceman plays in all situations for the Dragons and has added an offensive spark to his game. This season he has produced 22 points in 53 games played, beating his combined point totals from the previous two seasons. Tate is known as one of the top shutdown defenders in the league, as his size and physicality are well recognized throughout the league. Over his three year career with the Dragons, Yule has produced 40 points and 379 penalty minutes in 164 games played. He is the ultimate competitor and will forever be admired by the Drumheller community.
Bradley Gallo – Top Forward
Bradley Gallo has had one of the most memorable seasons in Dragons history. Gallo was acquired in the off-season by the Dragons and since joining the club, has completely changed his junior career. In the 2023-24 season, Gallo had 5 goals and 7 points in 33 games played. This season, he has produced 33 goals and 67 points in 52 games played. These totals currently lead the team in their respective categories. The 2006 born forward currently leads the AJHL in goals and is second in points. His outgoing personality and edge that he plays with on the ice has quickly made him a fan favourite in Drumheller.
Easton Daneault – Rookie of the Year
Easton Daneault has had one of the best rookie seasons in franchise history. Following in the foot steps of his older brother and former Dragon, Ty, Easton has surpassed all expectations. In 53 games played, Daneault has recorded 19 goals and 54 points. This leads all rookies in AJHL scoring and has him sitting second in team scoring. The Merrimack College commit has also seen time with the Lethbridge Hurricanes of the WHL this season, where he picked up a point in his first game he played.
Sean Cootes – Top Goaltender
Sean Cootes has been a staple in the Dragons net for the past two seasons. During his first year, he set a record for the longest shutout streak in franchise history. Fast forward to this season, he has improved on his already stellar numbers and has posted a 17-13-0 record with a 2.41 goals against average and a .920 save percentage. He also leads the AJHL in shutouts with 4 and is one away from breaking the all-time franchise career record!
Kevin Hasselberg – Coach of the Year
Kevin Hasselberg is currently in his 8th season as the Head Coach and General Manager for the Dragons. With him at the helm, the club has made the playoffs in every season and reached the 30 win mark in six different seasons. This year, Hasselberg has coached one of the youngest rosters in the AJHL to a 31-18-4 record with the second best powerplay in the league at 22.4%. He has also seen three Dragons receive NCAA Division I commitments this year, the most of any team in the AJHL.
Congratulations to all our Dragons on this tremendous accomplishment! The General Managers and Coaches of the Alberta Junior Hockey League have selected two finalists from both divisions for each award category. The award winners will be determined through a final stage of voting and announced following the completion of the AJHL regular season.
