2020 Kelowna Rockets Award Winners Announced
The awards ceremony for the Kelowna Rockets was scheduled to take place today (Sunday, March 22, 2020) at the Kelowna Community Theatre.
With the WHL announcing the conclusion of the regular season earlier this week the Rockets winners were solidified, today we’re announcing the Rockets awards via social media and kelownarockets.com.
Plus/Minus – Sponsored by GSL Group: Conner McDonald
Defenceman Conner McDonald lead the Rockets with a +15 plus/minus rating, the 20-year-old finished the regular season with 6 goals and 18 assists in 47 games.
The Delta, BC product was acquired from the Edmonton Oil Kings earlier this season. McDonald has appeared in 303 WHL regular-season games, collecting 44 goals and 103 assists.
Scholastic Player of the Year – Sponsored by the Team Doctors: Jake Poole
Rookie forward Jake Poole was named the Rockets Academic Achiever for November, January and February.
During the months of November through February, each of the WHL’s 22 member Clubs will name a student-athlete that has achieved significant academic results as selected by the Club. WHL players recognized as Academic Achievers are observed as those striving to reach their full potential in their educational programs while balancing WHL commitments.
The 17-year-old appeared in 59 games, putting up 16 points (4G, 12A) in his rookie season with the Rockets. The McAuley, Man. product was selected during the sixth round (No. 127) at the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft.
Most Improved – Sponsored by Western Star RJames Management Group: Elias Carmichael
Elias Carmichael was one of two 16-year-olds to crack the Rockets roster this season. In 59 games this season, he had a pair of goals and eight assists.
The Langley, BC product was selected during the second round (No. 40) at the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft. He represented Team BC at the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
Top Scorer – Sponsored by Pushor Mitchell: Pavel Novak
Rookie import Pavel Novak lead the Rockets in points this season with 58 (25G, 33A) in 55 games played. The 17-year-old also lead the team in goals and game-winning goals with five, his eight power-play goals also tied Nolan Foote for the team lead.
He’s the first European to lead the organization in scoring since Vaclav Varada did with Tacoma during the 1994-95 season.
Novak was selected 13th overall during the 2019 CHL Import Draft.
The Tabor, Czech Rep. product is ranked 89th among North American skaters on the NHL Central Scouting Midterm rankings for the upcoming 2020 NHL Draft.
Unsung Hero – Sponsored by Grant Thornton: Jake Lee
Acquired from the Seattle Thunderbirds last spring, defenceman Jake Lee has stepped into a variety of roles for the Rockets. He plays both power play and penalty kill minutes.
The 6’2, 209-pound defender appeared in 60 games for the Rockets this season, collecting 30 points (5G, 25A) and 64 penalty minutes. He set career highs for goals, assists and points.
Top Defensive Forward / Hollis Peirce Award – Donated by Dr. Murray Smith: Matthew Wedman
Centreman Matthew Wedman was counted on heavily in the faceoff dot for the Rockets this season.
The Florida Panthers prospect took 890 draws for Kelowna after being acquired from the Seattle Thunderbirds on December 6. In 35 games with the Rockets, Wedman had a team-leading faceoff percentage of 57.4%.
Top Defenceman – Sponsored by Melcor Lakeside Inc. : Kaedan Korczak
Kaedan Korczak takes home the Rockets Top Defenceman award for the second consecutive season.
The Vegas Golden Knights prospect led the Rockets defence core in assists with 38. Korczak set career highs with 11 goals and 38 assists. His 180 shots on goal ranked second among all Rockets players.
Most Sportsmanlike – Sponsored by Popeye’s Kelowna: Devin Steffler
Defenceman Devin Steffler wins the Rockets Most Sportsmanlike award for the second year in a row.
In 56 games this season, Steffler recorded only 20 penalty minutes while playing a regular role in the Rockets lineup. The Durango, CO product chipped in a goal and four assists.
Rookie of the Year – Sponsored by CapriCMW: Pavel Novak
Pavel Novak is the first rookie to lead the Rockets in scoring since Cody Almond did during the 2006-07 campaign.
His 58 points (25G, 33A) in 55 games have him ranked third among all Western Hockey League rookies.
Novak was selected 13th overall during the 2019 CHL Import Draft.
The Tabor, Czech Rep. product is ranked 89th among North American skaters on the NHL Central Scouting Midterm rankings for the upcoming 2020 NHL Draft.
Humanitarian – Sponsored by the Hamilton family: Michael Farren
Michael Farren has been a frequent flyer at all Rockets community events since being acquired from the Saskatoon Blades last season.
The Surrey, BC product was awarded the Foursight Supply Co. Community Player of the Month award earlier this season.
Most Valuable Player – Sponsored by MacDermott’s Mens Wear: Matthew Wedman
Acquired from the Seattle Thunderbirds on December 6, Wedman put up 36 points (17G, 19A) in 35 games for the Rockets during the regular season.
Wedman had 112 shots on net as a Rocket and a team-leading faceoff percentage of 57.4%.
The Florida Panther prospect tied for second in team scoring with 53 points (23G, 30 A)
