Virden Oil Capitals rookie Justin Lee and hometown product Tyler Kirkup were honoured by the Manitoba Junior Hockey League for their successful seasons.
Kirkup, the son of Kary and Suzanne, was selected to the MJHL Second All-Star Team. Meanwhile, Lee took home the Vince Leah Trophy as the league’s top rookie. The Waskada product also earned a spot on the MJHL Rookie All-Star Team.
“Getting Rookie of the Year means a lot to me,” Lee said. “It’s an honour to get that award and I’m very fortunate to receive it.”
The 17-year-old defenceman has seven goals and 35 points in 55 games. Lee has already earned a scholarship to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Denver.
Kirkup, a 19-year-old in his third season with the Oil Capitals, leads Virden with 72 points in 58 games. As of Monday, he had a league-high 37 goals.
Awards won
Kirkup was one of three league nominees for the MJHL’s Steve “Boomer” Hawrysh Memorial Trophy. The award is presented to the league’s MVP and was won by Dexter Kuczek of the Winnipeg Blues.
Virden head coach Troy Leslie, who grew up in Elkhorn, was a nominee for Coach of the Year.
Steinbach bench boss Paul Dyck won the Portage Terriers Muzz McPherson Award for the second straight season.
Pistons forward Drew Worrad won the Frank McKinnon Memorial Trophy for hockey ability.
Winkler’s Troy Martyniuk was named the Top Goaltender.
Darby Gula of the Steinbach Pistons earned the Brian Kozak Trophy as the MJHL’s top defenceman.
