Funk & Beaudoin receive AJHL Awards

The Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs have some celebrating prior to the post-season with the AJHL announcements of their annual awards. Captain of the Yaks, Trey Funk and St. Paul native Nicolas Beaudoin have each been recognized. Funk being named the league’s Most Dedicated Player and Beaudoin took the Rookie of the Year title.

Most Dedicated Player (Don McNabb Memorial Trophy)

The winner of the Don McNabb Memorial Trophy as Most Dedicated Player is Bonnyville Pontiacs Captain Trey Funk.  The award is presented annually to the player voted as the most dedicated to his team.

“Trey is an outstanding teammate, person and Pontiac,” stated Associate GM Neil Langridge.  “During his three years with our organization his dedication has not waivered for the team and community of Bonnyville. Trey’s commitment to the game and his craft has been evident since his first days in the AJHL and for him to be recognized for his dedication is only fitting.”

“The AJHL’s Most Dedicated Award is a prestigious award that many players are deserving of each year, for Trey to be recognized by his peers is a statement of his character and dedication.”

Funk (Redwood Meadows, AB) has recorded 43 points (21G, 22A) in his third season with the Pontiacs.    The 2002-born forward is committed to Canisius College (NCAA).

Rookie of the Year (Dick White Trophy)

Bonnyville Pontiacs forward Nicolas Beaudoin is the recipient of the Dick White Trophy as AJHL Rookie of the Year for 2022-23.  The University of Alaska Fairbanks commit leads all rookies in points (72) and is second overall in the AJHL for goals (39).  Beaudoin (2004) has averaged 1.33 points per game through 54 regular season games.

Nicolas Beaudoin (St Paul, AB) was the recipient of the Inter Pipeline AJHL Rookie of the Week award four times this season, as well as earning a Pizza 73 AJHL Player of the Week award and Alberta Ford Dealers Player of the Month award in November 2022.  Beaudoin has scored six game winning goals, earned ten Viterra AJHL Star of the Game selections, and is currently eighth overall in the AJHL Scoring Race in his rookie season.

Nicolas broke the Pontiacs franchise record for most goals by a rookie (36) and has continued to impress with his work ethic, maturity, and hockey sense. Beaudoin has been nominated by the Bonnyville Pontiacs for the Giuseppe AJHL Greatest Teammate Award.

The Pontiacs kick-off their playoff run this weekend against the Lloydminster Bobcats. The Yaks take home ice for Games 1 & 2, Friday and Saturday at the RJ Lalonde Arena. Puck drop is 7:00pm for both games.