This week the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) will announce its Overall Award winners for on-ice excellence: Most Valuable Player, Top Scorer, Top Defenceman, Top Goaltender, Rookie of the Year, Most Sportsmanlike Player, Coach of the Year and General Manager of the Year.
Today we are proud to conclude those on-ice performers with the Most Valuable Player Award going to Brady Magarrell of the Beaver Valley Nitehawks.
“This is quite an accomplishment for Brady, especially to be considered amongst all the KIJHL’s incredible players – he is deserving of this honour,” said Nitehawks head coach-general manager Terry Jones.
The Coaldale, Alta., native had a monster second season for the Nitehawks finishing second in league scoring with 75 points (33G, 42A) in 44 games. Magarrell had a 13-game points streak – fourth longest in the KIJHL – in which he had 15 goals and 16 assists. He had three five-point games. He played an average of 17:38 a game and was +64.
“Brady had an incredible year – his scoring prowess aside – he plays hard each and every day, works to improve, and is such a fierce competitor playing the game with such a joyful zest,” said Jones. “His regular season play was sensational. It seemed like every time he stepped on the ice, he was going to create a scoring opportunity. He had remarkable cohesion with Mike Leenders and Brady Walker and together they were one of the top scoring lines in the KIJHL.”
Magarrell netted six winners and was used on special teams, especially the power-play in which he had 14 points while playing 145:42. On the penalty-kill, the 6-1, 170-pound forward played 62:44 and scored three times short-handed and set up two goals. He was also very impressive in the faceoff dot, winning 61.12 per cent of his draws.
Jones said Magarrell always has a smile on his face, he brings about the very best in his teammates, and is a great leader who faces each difficulty with optimism.
“More importantly, Brady is a very humble person. He lives his life with a deep foundation of family, respect, learning, kindness and work ethic,” Jones added. “He gives his time and always takes the initiative to do the right thing. He is driven to be successful in everything that he tackles.”
