Shane Bendera Named the WHL/airBC Playoff MVP

Following the conclusion of the 2000-2001 WHL Championship Final in Portland, Oregon on Saturday, May 12th, goaltender Shane Bendera of the Red Deer Rebels was named the airBC Playoff Most Valuable Player.

The airBC Most Valuable Player is an award presented annually to the Player judged to be the most outstanding player in the WHL Playoffs. This year’s playoff most valuable player, Bendera received the prestigious airBC trophy and a trip for two anywhere airBC flies, compliments of airBC – the official airline of the Western Hockey League. Bendera, a native of Edmonton, Alberta is a draft choice of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Rebels won the President’s Cup as the 2000-2001 WHL Champions four games to one, defeating the Portland Winter Hawks 4 – 3 in overtime in the deciding game.

The Rebels advanced through the playoffs, losing only six times on their way to their first WHL championship in their 9 years of existence. Red Deer will now travel to Regina, Saskatchewan to represent the WHL at the MasterCard Memorial Cup Tournament. This will be the Rebels’ first trip to the Memorial Cup.

Bendera is the tenth winner of the airBC Playoff Most Valuable Player Award. airBC is a strong supporter of the Western Hockey League, sponsoring not only the Playoff MVP award, but also the WHL Awards Banquet. airBC, the official airline of the Western Hockey League.

Playoffs Most Valuable Player – airBC Trophy
1998-99 Brad Moran, Calgary Hitmen
1997-98 Brent Belecki, Portland Winter Hawks
1996-97 Blaine Russell, Lethbridge Hurricanes
1995-96 Bob Brown, Brandon Wheat Kings
1994-95 Nolan Baumgartner, Kamloops Blazers
1993-94 Steve Passmore, Kamloops Blazers
1992-93 Andy Schneider, Swift Current Broncos
1991-92 Jarrett Deuling, Kamloops Blazers
1999-00 Dan Blackburn, Kootenay Ice