LETHBRIDGE – Injecting 11 new players into the line up, the Lethbridge Pronghorn men's hockey team went through some growing pains during the 2019-20 season.
Sitting tied for the final playoff spot to start the second half of the season, the 2020 portion of the Canada West season was not kind to the Pronghorns going 0-10-2 and ultimately missing the playoffs after making a return to the post-season dance a year ago.
Despite missing the playoffs, the Pronghorns had one of the top power play teams in the conference for most of the season and finished in the top four in the conference.
Play of first-year forwards Luke Coleman and Michael Clarke were also bright spots with Coleman leading the team in scoring with 12 goals and eight assists in 28 games, while Clarke finished tied for third on the team with seven goals and nine assists.
Season Award Winners
Defeceman of the year – Over the course of his five-year career, Evan Wardley evolved into an outstanding defensive defenseman. His penalty killing prowess and physical play made him a vital contributor to team success, a factor in his selection as an alternate captain by his teammates this season. Wardley was able to sign a pro contract with the Idaho Steelheads following this season.
George Vaselenak Award for Sportsmanship and Ability – Set to graduate this spring, Torrin White was a leader and consummate student-athlete on and off the ice. Battling injuries throughout his career, Torrin played the game with passion and had the utmost respect of his teammates. Off the ice Torrin was a great ambassador the Pronghorn Athletics program highlighted by his anti-bullying initiative he started this past fall.
MVP and Rookie of the Year – Joining the program from the Calgary Hitmen this season, Luke Coleman had an immediate impact on the program and was counted for the outset to play in all situations for the Pronghorns. In addition to leading the Pronghorns in scoring, Coleman finished tied for second in Canada West rookie goal scoring with 12 goals, leading in power play goals with five and sixth in rookie points with 20.
