The Prince George Cougars handed out their annual team awards recently and the big award, the Dan Hamhuis Most Valuable Player award, went to goaltender Taylor Gauthier.
Gauthier set new career highs in wins (16), goals-against average (2.93), and save percentage (0.917). He led the Western Hockey League in minutes played (2870), was tied for first in games played (50), second in shots (1677), and second in saves (1537).
“He came in this year really focused and became a really good player and leader. He’s still young, still improving and he has a great future ahead of him.” said Cougars’ General Manager & Head Coach Mark Lamb.
Dan Hamhuis played four seasons with the Cougars from 1998-2002, appearing in 247 career regular season games. He amassed 34 goals and 122 assists for 156 points and was named the both the WHL Top Defenceman and Player of the Year in 2002. He was also named the CHL Top Defenceman that season. Hamhuis is currently in his 16th season in the NHL and has played over 1100 games split between Nashville, Vancouver, and Dallas. He won an Olympic gold medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics with Team Canada.
2019-2020 Cougars Award Winners:
Brett Connolly Rookie of the Year: Ethan Samson
Jeff Zorn Award for Academic Excellence: Davin Griffin
Chris Mason Three Stars Award: Taylor Gauthier
Dorothy Johnson Memorial Award (Fan Favourite): Majid Kaddoura
Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation Humanitarian Award: Jack Sander
Troy Bourke Offensive Player of the Year Award: Josh Maser
Eric Brewer Best Defensive Player Award: Cole Moberg
Michael Fogolin Memorial Award (Player Vote): Jack Sander
Dan Hamhuis Most Valuable Player Award: Taylor Gauthier