In spite of their recent performance at the Coy Cup in Williams Lake, the Steelheads 2013-14 season was a rousing success.
The latest championship incarnation of the Steelheads might not have been the most dominant of the three, but they sure were fun to watch
They played an-uptempo style, they played with character and grit, and, just when you thought they were out of it, they found a way to win.
Their first championship year, they were the up-and-comers, the second they were the overwhelming favourites and the third, they were the underdogs.
The Steelheads went through a six-game winless streak in November and often struggled to get enough players to ice a lineup on the road.
In the end, the players that donned the jersey made the town proud. They played their tails off and left everything on the ice.
With that, the 2013-14 team awards:
MVP: Darryl Young
Every time the team was down, the Steelheads captain Young picked them back up. There were games when he single handedly changed the fortune of the team around.
He finished with 14 goals and 10 assists in the regular season, but saved his best for the final against Williams Lake, when he scored four goals in succession to give the Steelheads their third straight CIHL championship.
“Darryl works hard, he competes hard and he’s tireless,” head coach Tom DeVries said. “He’s a great leader for our team.”
Honourable mention: Tyler Perreault
Perreault had some big shoes to fill heading into this season. Kudos to former NHLer Mike Wall for stepping aside and giving Perreault a chance.
There were times, especially earlier in the season, when it looked like Perreault might not be the answer.
But as the season wore on, he got better and better. Two games stand out, the first, game three against Terrace, when he was lights out and game three against Williams Lake, when he held the team in it during the opening minutes, stopping five odd-man rushes.
“His confidence grew as the season went on,” DeVries said. “He was amazing for us in the playoffs.”
Best defenceman: Ryan DeVries.
Smooth skating DeVries was named playoff MVP after tallying 16 points in eight playoff games.
When DeVries missed a month during the middle of the season, with a concussion, his absence was notable. The Steelheads went .500 with out him.
“He played a big role for us. He’s fast, he’s calm in the corners and he’s the guy you want on our powerplay and your penalty kill.”
Rookie of the year: Steve Andrade
Backup goalies don’t get enough recognition. By all accounts, Andrade was a great teammate. He was there every practice and every roadtrip. And though contributions at the practice rink don’t show up on the scoreboard, they are an integral part of building a winning team.
Unsung hero: Adam DeVries
It’s pretty rare for a team’s leading scorer to be it’s unsung hero, but DeVries doesn’t get a lot of recognition. He quietly goes about the business of scoring goals.
DeVries finished first in Steelheads scoring this season with 29 points.
“He’s just all skill,” Tom DeVries said. “He doesn’t go out and hammer guys, he just gets the puck and makes plays.”
Heart and soul award: Randall Groot
If you went to a Steelheads game this year, you probably noticed Randall Groot. He hits, he grinds, he agitates, he scores, he does a little bit of everything.
“He seems to get better every years, and he’s really matured as a player,” DeVries said.
That’s it for 2013-14. It was fun to watch. Here’s to hoping the CIHL is back again, next year.