Porter Byrd-Leitner finalist for AJHL Rookie of the Year

Porter Byrd-Leitner is being recognized for his prodigious second half of the season.

He is one of four finalists for AJHL Rookie of the Year, the league announced on Wednesday, along with all the finalists for each award.

Bonnyville’s highest scoring forward of the season has collected 17 goals and 33 assists for 50 points in 48 games.

That currently sits as the 12th most points overall in the league, as well as 4th amongst rookies.

Since Dec. 17, the last game before the Christmas break, Byrd-Leitner has been named Rookie of the Week twice.

Despite having his 11 game point streak snapped on Sunday in Drumheller, 34 of his 50 points have come since Dec. 17.

Rookie of the Year – Dick White Trophy, Presented by Canalta Hotels

• Porter Byrd Leitner – Bonnyville Pontiacs
• Cooper Moore – Lloydminster Bobcats
• Nathan Maloney – Calgary Canucks
• Easton Daneault – Drumheller Dragons

He is the lone Bonnyville Pontiac that is a finalist for an award.

Byrd-Leitner is committed to play at Colgate NCAA DI.

The winners will be announced following the end of the regular season this upcoming weekend and during the playoffs.

Bonnyville wraps up the regular season Friday and Saturday night at home, after narrowly missing the post-season.

The Devon Xtreme come to town on Friday night for the Canadian Natural Anti-Bullying night, where the team will don pinks socks amongst a large crowd. CN typically donates a ton of tickets so many kids can attend the game.

On Saturday night, expect a competitive edge to the contest against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.

The MOB claimed the last playoff spot and the Yaks will have one more chance to put their stamp on the 2024-25 season, and look to win the season series.

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You can listen to these games on ENT Oilfield Bonnyville Pontiacs hockey on lakelandconnect.net/pontiacs with Michael Menzies.