WHL Kelowna Rockets

Baillie Named MVP at Rockets Awards Ceremony

Published on March 20, 2016 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets News Release


The Kelowna Rockets honoured a trio of graduating 20-year-olds and named five year veteran Tyson Baillie as its team MVP on Sunday at the annual Rockets Awards Banquet.

Baillie, who spent five seasons and 375 total games played in a Rockets jersey, also picked up the team's top scorer award after posting 95 points during the 2015-16 WHL regular season.

In accepting the team MVP award, Baillie gave the credit to his teammates, especially injured goalie Jackson Whistle.

"If it wasn't for Jackson Whistle's injury he would be up here. He was our MVP in the first half of the season," said Baillie, who also thanked his teammates for helping make his season a success, leading the team with 43 goals and finishing 7th in the WHL's scoring race.

"It's nice to get recognized for this award after my five years here. I've been putting in the work, day in and day out, with the Rockets coaching staff and it's been a great time."

Baillie, Whistle and Cole Linaker were honoured by the Rockets as players who are closing out their junior hockey careers.

"I'd like to thank the team. You guys are my best friends," said Whistle. "It sucks not being able to go out there and battle with you guys. But I will be cheering you on and doing anything I can to help."

Linaker was given the Hollis Peirce Award as the team's Top Defensive Forward for the third straight year, and reflected on a career that saw him play 253 regular season games with the Rockets, missing just four games in the past three seasons combined.

"It's bitter sweet because we're moving on," said Linaker. "We're leaving four years and numerous life long friendships behind. These were the best four years of my life. You meet such incredible people along the way. It's been an incredible ride."

Defensemen Joe Gatenby and Cal Foote each were honoured twice with team awards. Gatenby was named Top Defenceman and also won the team's Plus Minus Award, finishing the season at plus-31.

"This is a team award," Gatenby said of the plus-minus award. "Thanks to the goalies for saving my bacon."

Foote was named Rookie of the Year after a season where he posted 36 points and was plus-16 in playing in all but one of the team's 72 games

Veteran Rocket Rourke Chartier was named the team's Most Sportsmanlike Player for the third year running while Tomas Soustal was Most Improved, Justin Kirkland was named the Unsung Hero and Riley Stadel the Humanitarian Award for his work in the community.

The Rockets open the WHL Playoffs this weekend against Kamloops, hosting the Blazers Friday and Saturday nights at Prospera Place.

Tickets are available for the game through www.selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.

Check out the Kelowna Rockets Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from March 20, 2016


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