The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) National Awards were announced on May 7 and Olds Grizzlys forward Chris Gerrie was named Rookie of the Year.In his first season in the AJHL, Gerrie led all rookies with 18 goals and 36 assists in 60 games played.“It was a great season. I didn't know what to expect coming in but once (the) season got off there and playing with Spencer (Dorowicz) helped me a lot,” Gerrie said. “It made me feel really comfortable in the league.”Gerrie, 17, was in the gym when he got a call from his coach telling him about the award. He never saw it coming.“I didn't really expect to win it but it happened and I'm just happy to (receive) the award and I'm humbled for sure,” he said.“I couldn't have done this without the coaching staff that I have and the opportunities they gave me. Not many rookies in the league got the opportunity to play in every circumstance in a game and I'd just like to thank them for that and (for) support of family too.”The Grizzlys forward has committed to Michigan Tech University for the 2016-2017 season.He plans to carry the success from his rookie campaign into the next by working on his game.“Just to stay on the ice as much as possible and keep getting better with the strength and my speed and make sure that I can just improve every skill that I have.”Jake Walman of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens in the OJHL was named as co-recipient of the [email protected]
