CALGARY, ALTA. - Thursday night, Cougars men's hockey player Nolan Yaremko was recognized by Cougars Athletics and Recreation for his incredible accomplishments in the 2021-22 season. In celebration with MRU Staff, alumni, Yaremko's teammates, friends and family, he was presented the Senator Joseph A. Sullivan Trophy as U SPORTS men's hockey Outstanding Player of the Year to kick off the night's honours. 

Leading both the Mount Royal University Cougars and all Canada West skaters, Yaremko had an incredible 2021-22 season collecting 39 points (19G-20A) in the regular season earning a well-deserved spot on the Canada West First All-star Team. This achievement also led to Yaremko earning a place on the U SPORTS First Team All-Canadian list. Along with his one-ice achievements, Yaremko was recognized as an Academic All-Canadian. 

"I'm grateful Mount Royal has given me an opportunity to share this accomplishment with current and former teammates, coaches, along with my family and friends," Yaremko said. "I'm very lucky to be surrounded by many great players, coaches and staff members not only here at the University level, but throughout my entire hockey career.

Winning the U SPORTS Player of the Year award is an honour and I can't help but thank everyone that has helped me along the way. Coming into the 2022-2023 season, I want to build off of the great year we all had and keep pushing towards our goal of winning a Canada West championship and advancing to the national championship tournament." 

Yaremko's performance was not only a standout among players on his team, but also Canada West, topping the entire conference in goals. Unsurprisingly, it was Yaremko who notched the Cougars' game winning goal on Saturday, Feb. 26 to lift the Cougars beyond the CW quarter-finals and into semi-final action. Clips, graphics and highlights of Yaremko's achievements played during the night as a commemorative reminder of his accomplishments.
 
It was very fitting that Nolan was recognized as the U SPORTS Player of the Year after his remarkable 2021-22 season," Bert Gilling, MRU men's hockey head coach said. "It was an exceptional year for him and he was very deserving of all the accolades that came his way.

"We are proud to have Nolan back to help lead the team for the 2022-23 season. He will continue to be an impactful player in Canada West and I know he is committed to helping the Cougars reach new heights this season."
 
Originally from Spirit River, Alta., Yaremko was selected in the second round, 29th overall in the 2013 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft and earned a spot with the Tri-City Americans in 2014-15 and played all five seasons of his career there while becoming captain in his fifth year in 2018-19. Through 278 career games, Yaremko posted 159 points (67G-92A). In April of 2019, Yaremko signed a Amateur Tryout Contract with the Stockton Heat.