By LOGAN CLOW
Daily Herald-Tribune
Grande Prairie Storm forward Justin Bernier has been named the team’s MVP.
The junior A squad held their year-end awards banquet last Thursday at Bowes Family Garden at Revolution Place. The team was ousted by the Spruce Grove Saints in game four of the AJHL North Division semis last Tuesday.
Bernier led the Storm with 31 goals and 47 assists. Through 59 games, he only amassed 10 minutes in penalties. The Quebec native had eight assists in the playoffs.
Forward Edouard Michaud was the only multi-award winner. He was presented with the team’s Top Forward and Top Playoff Performer awards.
Michaud finished sixth overall in league scoring and second in team scoring with 39 goals and 34 assists. He also led the team with 14 powerplay goals. Through nine playoff games, Michaud led the Storm with seven goals and two assists.
It was quite the rookie season to remember for Zach Okabe. The 17-year-old nabbed the AJHL Rookie of the Year award and was also named the Storm’s Rookie of the Year.
Okabe, an Okotoks product, had 22 goals and 35 assists this season. In September, Okabe committed to the University of Vermont.
2017-2018 Storm award winners
Unsung Hero – Noah Walters
Hustler – Jon Hader
Two Way Player – Connor Blake
Most Dedicated – Dallas Comeau
Most Improved – Colin MacPherson
Rookie of the Year – Zach Okabe
Top D-Man – Tyrell Boucher
Top Forward – Edouard Michaud
Playoff Performer – Edouard Michaud
MVP – Justin Bernier
