DIDSBURY - The Mountain View Colts recognized some of the team's top players during the recent annual awards banquet, held at the Didsbury Memorial Complex.
The Colts finished the 2022-23 Heritage Junior B Hockey League season in third place in the north division with 21 wins, 15 losses and two overtime losses.
The team made it to the second round of the playoffs, falling to Airdrie Techmation Thunder after defeating Three Hills in the first round.
During the awards banquet, netminder Chance Griffith was named Most Valuable Player. He won the same award in the 2021-22 season.
In the 2022-23 season, Griffith had 17 wins and 10 losses, with a goals against average of 3.28. During three seasons with the Colts he amassed 35 wins against only 19 losses.
First-year head coach Dan Visser said Griffith’s play was key to the team’s success in 2022-23.
“Chance again had a huge season,” said Visser. “He was the main reason most nights we were victorious. I believe that he was the best goalie in the league.
“As a retiring player he leaves a big hole in our roster and will be greatly missed. But it’s also a huge opportunity for new goalies coming in as I’m looking for a new starter.”
Haiden Parks was named Rookie of the Year, and the Top Defenceman award went to Trey Stovin. Corbin Rae was named Most Improved Player.
The coach’s award went to Nate McNeely and Noah Goodwin.
Visser said the coach’s award goes to the players who “best represent the team and support the coaches on their decisions and what they are trying to accomplish.”
The leadership award went to team captain Paton Rothenbusch, the Heart & Hustle award went to Haiden Park. The Colts top scorer in 2022-23 was Steven Bell, with 22 goals and 19 assists for 41 points.
Coach Dan Visser has already announced plans to return as bench boss in 2023-24.
