A veteran forward in his final campaign and a defenceman with a stellar sophomore season shared the Virden Oil Capitals’ Most Valuable Player award.
On March 16, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League squad handed out five team year-end awards after its game versus Swan River. A first round of awards were presented on Sunday, March 12.
Last week it was unveiled that David Bielik and Colten Miller were named co-winners of the Still Water Adventures Most Valuable Player Award. In his third and final season, Miller posted career highs of 15 goals, 23 assists, and 38 points in 55 games. The forward from Killarney finished fourth on the team in regular season scoring.
“It’s a great honour to have won this award along with David,” Miller said. “I have to thank Tyson (Ramsey, head coach) for giving me the opportunities he has over my career to help me grow as a player and person. Also, my teammates pushing me to get better each and every day. Linemates have been a huge part of my success this season and I have to thank them as well. It’s crazy to think that I’ve been in Virden now for three years now and that this is my last season of junior hockey. I am truly grateful to have been chosen for this award.”
In his second season, Bielik paced the Oil Caps’ blue liners in points with 32 in 57 games. The Winnipegger set career highs in assist (28) and points.
“It was a very special moment to have with my teammates and my parents, who were there, to be able to receive the MVP award,” Bielik said. “And it was an honour to be able to share the award with Millsy. What a great way to cap off an unforgettable year with an even better group of young men. Millsy has done so much for this organization and his play has shown that, and it is very special to receive an award like that together. A great way to cap off the regular season, and now time to take on our next goal of bringing an MJHL championship to Virden.”
Nolan Chastko and Roux Bazin were also finalists for MVP.
Miller was recognized during the after-game ceremony along with the Oil Caps’ other graduating players: Manson’s Bray Rookes, Birtle’s Brody Wilson, Andrew Blocker of Dugald, and Davis Chorney from Nipawin. Wilson, the team’s captain, was named the Gardewine Hardest Working Player. The other nominees were Chorney, Blocker, and Josh Lehto.
“There is no one in the league that works as hard as Brody on and off the ice every day,” Ramsey said. “He doesn’t just do it sometimes, he works hard at everything he does.”
Rookie forward Nolan Chastko received two awards. The Brandon product was named the Silverline Oilfield Services Rookie of the Year. As well, Chastko picked up the Twin Valley Co-op Three Star Award. In a standout rookie season, he led the Oil Caps with 20 goals and 43 points.
The other Three Star Award finalists were Miller, Roux Bazin, and Owen LaRocque. Others up for Rookie of the Year were Josh Lehto, Brett Sabel and Ethan Guthrie.
The CIBC Most Sportsmanlike Player Award was shared by Joey Bielik and Josh Lehto. A rookie from Thunder Bay, Ont., Lehto was second on the team with 18 goals and third with 39 points. He had 10 penalty minutes this season. In his second season, Joey Bielik posted career highs with 14 goals, 22 assists, and 36 points. The Winnipeg product received 10 penalty minutes. Also up for the award were Naton Miller and Dean Gorchynski.
