The results of stage one of the BCHL awards voting was revealed on Feb. 21, and Centennials’ veteran Nick Wicks was among the players honoured with a nomination.
Wicks was the Interior division’s nominee for the Bob Fenton Trophy, which recognizes the most sportsmanlike player in the league. Wicks is up against Gavin Rauser of the Powell River Kings (Island division), and Ben Poisson of the Prince George Spruce Kings (Mainland division).
Wicks has played 54 games this season for the Centennials and posted 12 goals and 32 assists along with just six penalty minutes.
The BCHL awards are voted on by the league’s head coaches. Nominees were selected from an initial voting process, and after a second round of voting, winners will be announced prior to the start of the playoffs next week.
According to the Merritt Centennials website, six players in Cents history have taken home the Bob Fenton Trophy: John Schiavo (2014/15), Regan Soquila (2011/12), Brandon Campos (2005/06), Neil Stevenson-Moore (1999/00), Shane Glover (1997/98) and Darrel Zeilnski (1973/74).
Full list of nominees for the 2017/18 BCHL awards:
Vern Dye Memorial Trophy – Most Valuable Player
Island – Alex Newhook, Victoria Grizzlies
Mainland – Ethan De Jong, Prince George Spruce Kings
Interior – Jasper Weatherby, Wenatchee Wild
Bruce Allison Memorial Trophy – Rookie of the Year Award
Island – Alex Newhook, Victoria Grizzlies
Mainland – Corey Andonovski, Chilliwack Chiefs
Interior – Josh Prokop, Vernon Vipers
Defensive Award – Top Defenceman
Island – Max Crozier, Nanaimo Clippers
Mainland – Colin Bernard, Langley Rivermen
Interior – Cooper Zech, Wenatchee Wild
Goaltending Award (This is the first year this has gone to vote)
Island – Taz Burman, Nanaimo Clippers
Mainland – Evan DeBrouwer, Prince George Spruce Kings
Interior – Ty Taylor, Vernon Vipers
Bob Fenton Trophy – Most Sportsmanlike Player
Island – Gavin Rauser, Powell River Kings
Mainland – Ben Poisson, Prince George Spruce Kings
Interior – Nicholas Wicks, Merritt Centennials
Joe Tennant Memorial Trophy – Coach of the Year
Island – Matt Hughes, Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Mainland – Adam Maglio, Prince George Spruce Kings
Interior – Bliss Littler, Wenatchee Wild
