Kamloops Blazers name award winners for shortened season

Photo: Eric Thompson

FILE PHOTO: Zane Franklin and Logan Stankoven greet Ryan Hughes after a game-winning goal.

Since the season is over, even if it's short a few games, the Kamloops Blazers have announced their award winners for the 2019-2020 season.

The awards range from most improved player to unsung hero to top scorer. In total there were 15 awards, with some going to multiple players. Team captain Zane Franklin led the crowd, winning or sharing five of the categories, while Brodi Stuart, Logan Stankoven, Dylan Garand and Montana Onyebuchi each got two, according to a press release.

Franklin takes the three stars award (for being named a star in 15 games), top scorer award, the top plus/minus rating and the Dean Evason Award for Inspirational Leadership and Ability. He and Garand share the team's MVP award.

Garand also received the excellence in hockey/education award for skill on the ice and in the classroom.

Perhaps not a big surprise, Logan Stankoven is taking home the team's rookie of the year award. He also gets the most dedicated player award.

Stuart shares two awards; one with Ryan Hughes, as the unsung heroes of the team, and one with Onyebuchi, as the grinders of the year.

Onyebuchi is also receiving the award for community involvement, recognizing his work as a role model for younger kids.

The awards team see a bright future for Connor Zary. The 18-year-old was second in points and named to Team WHL for the CHL super series; the team gave him their top prospects award.

Orrin Centazzo takes home the most improved player of the year as he saw his offensive output spike this year. Max Martin gets the top defenseman award for his work on the blue line, and his offensive stats as well.

And the diamond in the rough award goes to Caeden Bankier. The rookie put up 20 points in the shortened season, putting him 11th in the league for 16-year-olds.