Photo Credit: Tami Quan Photography
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 27th, 2022.
WEST KELOWNA B.C. – The West Kelowna Warriors are proud to announce Tyson Jugnauth as the winner of the BCHL’s Defensive Player of the Year. Defensive Player of the Year is just one of the handful of awards announced earlier Thursday by the British Columbia Hockey League.
The Defensive Player of the Year is awarded to the most outstanding performer at his position during the regular season, as determined by a vote of the league’s coaches. During the 2021-22 regular season, Tyson Jugnauth scored 9 goals and 41 assists in only 52 games played this season earning the prestige. “This past year I’ve been able to go from strictly an offensive minded defenceman to a fully rounded defenceman” stated Jugnauth.“Thank you to my coaches and my teammates for pushing me to be the best I can be.”
This is the fourth time a member of the West Kelowna Warriors has won the Defensive Player of the Year honours, which has been awarded to BCHL players since 1975. Previous winners include Brendan Ellis (2009/2010) & Justin Schultz (2008/2009), (2007/2008). It was a franchise record setting year for Tyson Juganuth, he finished with most assists in a single season by a defender with 41 and finished tied with Justin Schultz with 50 points for 2nd most points by a defenceman in a single season. Warriors Head Coach and General Manager Simon Ferguson was excited to hear Jugnauth would take home the hardware, “Tyson is a player who has always had the natural ability to take over the game offensively and this year he also rounded out his defensive side. I am excited to see what the future holds for Tyson.”
Other award winners announced Thursday include: Victoria Grizzlies’s forward Matthew Wood named Brett Hull Trophy winner (Top Scorer), Chilliwack Chiefs forward Cameron Johnson winning Bob Fenton Trophy, and Penticton Vees bench boss Fred Harbinson named Joe Tennant Memorial Trophy Winner (Coach of the Year).
Jugnauth and the rest of the Warriors travel to Penticton this weekend for round three games 1 and 2 of the Interior Conference Finals. Game 1 Friday April 29th at 7:00pm. Game 2 Saturday April 30th at 7:00pm. Warriors Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations, Chase Johnston, is back on the mic with a pregame show 10 minutes before puck drop. Just a reminder that tickets for game 3 and 4 are on sale now at westkelownawarriors.ca. Please call our office at 250-769-7051 or visit our office during regular office hours for tickets and more info.
