The Mount Royal University Cougars dominated the spotlight in Canada West men's hockey, clinching five of eight major awards that underscore their unparalleled talent and prowess on the ice. From Connor Bouchard's stellar Player of the Year performance to Shane Farkas's outstanding goaltending, the Cougars left an indelible mark on the league, showcasing their excellence across various facets of the game. This remarkable achievement solidifies the Cougars' standing as a powerhouse in Canadian university men's hockey.

Canada West Player of the Year (Sullivan Trophy Nominee)

Connor Bouchard, a standout forward from Mount Royal University's Cougars, has rightfully earned the prestigious title of Canada West Men's Hockey Player of the Year. In his second year at Mount Royal, hailing from Cochrane, Alta, Bouchard has made an indelible mark on the ice, showcasing exceptional skill, determination, and leadership.

Bouchard's on-ice performance speaks volumes about his prowess as a forward. In 25 games played, he exhibited an impressive goal-scoring ability with 23 goals and demonstrated his playmaking skills with 34 assists, accumulating a remarkable total of 57 points. His proficiency on the power play is evident in his 12 power play goals. With an average of 2.28 points per game and a staggering +31 plus-minus rating, Bouchard not only contributed significantly to his team's success but also stood out as a force to be reckoned with in the league.

One of the most remarkable achievements of Bouchard's season is his 24-game point streak, showcasing his consistency and impact on the scoresheet. Additionally, by becoming the first player since the 2000-2001 season to reach the 50-point milestone, Bouchard has etched his name in the annals of Canada West Men's Hockey history, solidifying his status as a deserving recipient of the Player of the Year honor.

From the Coach:

"We are so proud of Connor's exceptional achievement this season. He has simply been sensational all season long. He has made an impact on every game he has played in and has become a leader on our team with his competitiveness and work ethic. His talent is remarkable; he can literally generate offense at any moment from anywhere on the ice. We are fortunate to have him in Cougar Hockey and look forward to his very bright future." 

Bert Gilling Mount Royal Cougars Head Coach


Top Scorer (Dave "Sweeney" Schriner Scoring Trophy)

Connor Bouchard of Mount Royal University's Cougars has also captured the illustrious Dave "Sweeney" Schriner Scoring Trophy as the Canada West Men's Hockey Top Scorer, showcasing his exceptional offensive prowess and contribution to his team's success. In his second year as a forward, Bouchard has proven himself as a dynamic force on the ice.

Bouchard's remarkable statistics for the season are a testament to his scoring ability and playmaking skills. With 23 goals and 34 assists in just 25 games played, he accumulated an impressive total of 57 points, making him the undisputed top scorer in the Canada West Men's Hockey league. His proficiency on the power play is highlighted by an impressive 12 power play goals, further solidifying his impact on the scoresheet.

The +31 plus-minus rating reflects Bouchard's well-rounded game, showcasing not only his offensive contributions but also his effectiveness in preventing opponents from scoring. Bouchard's outstanding season has rightfully earned him the Dave "Sweeney" Schriner Scoring Trophy, a well-deserved recognition for his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport of men's hockey.

From the Coach:

"Canada West men's hockey always has elite players that stand out statistically each season. Connor Bouchard's season however, has put him among the greatest individual performances in decades. Whether it be the goals or the assists, the point streak, or the highlight reel plays he is a special player who has had a special season. And, best of all, he is the type of guy who would give all the credit to his linemates and team. Just amazing. Congratulations Bouch!"

Bert Gilling Mount Royal Cougars Head Coach


Sportsmanship and Ability (UBC Hockey Alumni Trophy)

Connor Blake, the embodiment of sportsmanship and skill for Mount Royal University's Cougars, has been awarded the UBC Hockey Alumni Trophy as the Canada West Men's Hockey Sportsmanship and Ability recipient. In his fifth year as a defenseman, hailing from Calgary, Alta, Blake's contributions extend beyond the scoresheet, showcasing a rare combination of talent, leadership, and a commendable spirit.

Blake's statistics for the season, with 27 games played, five goals, and 22 assists, exemplify his on-ice abilities. However, what truly sets him apart is his sportsmanship, evident in his mere eight penalty minutes for the entire season. His gentle and kind-hearted demeanor off the ice is complemented by his exceptional leadership skills, making him the heart and soul of Cougars Hockey. Blake's impact extends beyond the rink, as demonstrated by his recognition as a 2023 USPORTS academic all-Canadian, highlighting his commitment to excellence both in academics and athletics.

The UBC Hockey Alumni Trophy awarded to Connor Blake is a fitting acknowledgment of his outstanding sportsmanship and overall contribution to the team. His ability to lead by example, coupled with his exceptional skill set, makes him a role model on and off the ice, embodying the spirit of fair play and excellence in Canada West Men's Hockey.

From the Coach:

"We are so excited to see Blaker get recognized by the league again this season! This award is so fitting for Connor as he really embodies all of the qualities of an exceptional student-athlete. He has been an awesome Captain and deserves a ton of credit for the success of our team this year. Among his greatest qualities, what really stands out are his character and class. He plays the right way and has been an impactful player (and person) all season long." 

Bert Gilling Mount Royal Cougars Head Coach


Canada West Goaltender of the Year

Shane Farkas, the stellar goaltender for Mount Royal University's Cougars, has earned the distinguished title of Canada West Men's Hockey Goaltender of the Year, showcasing his exceptional skills between the pipes. In his second year as the team's goalie, hailing from Penticton, BC, Farkas has demonstrated remarkable composure and talent, playing a pivotal role in his team's success.

Farkas's statistics for the season speak volumes about his goaltending prowess. In 22 games played, he boasted an impressive goals-against average of 2.18, illustrating his ability to consistently keep opponents at bay. With a save percentage of .919, Farkas showcased his reliability and agility in the net, making critical saves to preserve his team's leads and secure victories. His 17 wins and an outstanding win percentage of .850 underline his impact on the Cougars' success, solidifying his status as the top goaltender in the Canada West Men's Hockey league.

The Goaltender of the Year honor for Farkas is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding performance throughout the season. His exceptional stats, combined with his ability to consistently deliver in high-pressure situations, make him a standout figure in Canadian university men's hockey.

From the Coach:

"Shane has been rock steady all season long and has really been the backbone of the team. While his statistics speak for themselves, his consistency from game-to-game and day-to-day has given our young group confidence that he will give us a chance to win every game. Shane has been through a lot to get to this level of goaltending and we are proud of his accomplishments with Cougar Hockey." 

Bert Gilling Mount Royal Cougars Head Coach


Top Defenceman (Mervyn "Red" Dutton Trophy)

Clay Hanus, the formidable defenseman for Mount Royal University's Cougars, has earned the prestigious Mervyn "Red" Dutton Trophy as the Canada West Men's Hockey Top Defenceman, showcasing his exceptional skills in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. In his second year as a defenseman, hailing from Excelsior, MN, Hanus has proven to be a crucial asset to his team's success.

Hanus's statistics for the season reflect his prowess on both ends of the ice. In 25 games played, he notched an impressive 12 goals and 23 assists, accumulating a total of 35 points. His six power play goals underscore his offensive contributions, while his +14 plus-minus rating highlights his effectiveness in defending against opponents' attacks. Hanus's well-rounded performance is further emphasized by his ability to maintain a points-per-game average of 1.4, showcasing his consistency throughout the season.

The Mervyn "Red" Dutton Trophy awarded to Hanus is a testament to his excellence as a defenseman in the Canada West Men's Hockey league. His ability to contribute significantly to his team's offensive output while maintaining a strong defensive presence has set him apart as a standout player in the conference, earning him this prestigious recognition.

From the Coach:

"Clay has had an excellent season in CWest this year. He makes an impact on both ends of the ice with his smooth skating skills, slick hands and wicked shot. The talent has always been there with Clay. What really propelled him this season was having a great off-season of training and it paid off in spades. He is very deserving of this award and has a bright future ahead."

Bert Gilling Mount Royal Cougars Head Coach