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Josh Maser named Prince George Cougars’ Team MVP

Players recognized at fourth annual awards banquet on Sunday
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer

The Prince George Cougars capped off the year by handing out some individual hardware at their fourth annual Awards Brunch.

For his exceptional play this season, Forward Josh Maser was named the Cougars’ Most Valuable Player (MVP) on Sunday (March 17); the trophy is named in honour of alumni Dan Hamhuis.

The 20-year-old product of Houston, B.C. recorded a career-high, and team-high, 30 goals in the 2018-19 campaign while adding 12 assists and 186 shots on goal in 61 games to earn the honour.

He was also a co-winner of the Michael Fogolin Memorial Award as the top Cat voted by teammates; he shared the trophy with Captain Josh Curtis.

Curtis, along with fellow graduating players Joel Lakusta and Mike MacLean, were also recognized for their Western Hockey League (WHL) careers.

They were each given a photo plaque and specially-made Cougars Alumni sweaters by the coaching staff.

Spending their entire WHL stint with Prince George, Curtis suited up for 222 games recording just under 100 points, while Lakusta played 233 games compiling 86 points altogether.

MacLean only played one season with the Cougars, starting in all but two contests in the 68-game season, notching seven points and 112 penalty minutes.

The rest of the award winners are as follows:

  • Josh Curtis = Jeff Zorn Award for Academic Excellence, Fan Club Bursary Award
  • Taylor Gauthier = Chris Mason Award for Most Three-Star Selections, Dorothy Johnson Award as Voted by the Fans
  • Vladislav Mikhalchuk = Troy Bourke Award as Offensive Player of the Year
  • Cole Moberg = Eric Brewer Award as Defensive Player of the Year
  • Tyson Upper = Brett Connolly Rookie of the Year Award
  • Isaiah DiLaura = Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation Humanitarian Award

Presenters included Mayor Lyn Hall, Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, and Judy Neiser, CEO with Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation.

The event took place at the Prince George Civic Centre, which hosted over 300 residents, billets, family members, volunteers, and fans.