WHL Tri-City Americans

Pickard, Procyshen Earn WHL Honors

Published on April 29, 2009 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Tri-City Americans News Release


KENNEWICK, WA - The Tri-City Americans are proud to announce that goaltender Chet Pickard and forward Taylor Procyshen each won their respective categories at the WHL Awards luncheon today in Edmonton, Alberta. Pickard nabbed the Del Wilson Trophy as the league's top goaltender, while Procyshen collected the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy for the league's humanitarian of the year.

For Pickard, the Del Wilson Trophy adds to the already long list of accomplishments for the 19-year-old goaltender from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Appearing in 50 games for Tri-City this season, Pickard amassed a 35-12-0-3 record while pacing the Americans to their second-straight U.S. Division crown. Pickard finished inside the League's top-5 in goals against average (2.28, 5th), save percentage (0.921, 2nd), wins (35, 4th) and shutouts (6, t-3rd). Pickard, who was also named a WHL first-team all-star, becomes the first goaltender to win consecutive WHL Goaltender of the Year honors since Calgary's Mike Vernon did it in 1981-82 and 1982-83. He also becomes just the fourth winner in the League's history to have been awarded the honor twice in their careers.

Meanwhile, Procyshen becomes the first ever Tri-City player to win the Doug Wickenheiser Trophy. Capping off an incredible career with Tri-City, Procyshen appeared in all 72 games this season, recording a career-high 36 goals, 45 assists, 81 points and a plus-40 rating. Appearing in 259 career games, the Americans' captain finishes his regular season career tied for 8th all-time on the Americans' goals scored list (112) and 14th all-time on the Americans' scoring list (212 pts). However, perhaps more notable than his on-ice performance, was Procyshen's commitment and drive to serve the Tri-City community. Spearheaded by Procyshen's initiative, the Americans and their fans raised over $13,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association as part of Taylor Procyshen's 'Go Pro' for MDA Challenge. The 08-09 team captain has been the face of the franchise's community efforts over the past several seasons.

Past Tri-City WHL Award winners include Stu Barnes ('88-'89 MVP), Daymond Langkow ('94-'95 Top Scorer), Brian Boucher ('96-'97 Goaltender of the Year), Don Hay ('98-'99 Coach of the Year & Executive of the Year), Carey Price (06-07 Goaltender of the Year), Bob Tory (06-07 Executive of the Year), Chet Pickard (07-08 Goaltender of the Year), Don Nachbaur (07-08 Coach of the Year), and Bob Tory (07-08 Executive of the Year).

Here are the results from the 2009 WHL Awards luncheon...

2009 WHL AWARD RECEPIENTS

Player of the Year Brett Sonne, Calgary Hitmen

Rookie of the Year Brett Connolly, Prince George Cougars

Goaltender of the Year Chet Pickard, Tri-City Americans

Defenseman of the Year Jonathon Blum, Vancouver Giants

Scholastic Player of the Year Stefan Elliott, Saskatoon Blades

Most Sportsmanlike Player Tyler Ennis, Medicine Hat Tigers

Humanitarian of the Year Taylor Procyshen, Tri-City Americans

Coach of the Year Don Hay, Vancouver Giants

Executive of the Year Kelly Kisio, Calgary Hitmen

Marketing & Communications Kelly Bortolussi, Medicine Hat

Top Scorer Casey Pierro-Zabotel, Vancouver Giants

Top Official Chris Savage

Regular Season Champions Calgary Hitmen

Check out the Tri-City Americans Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from April 29, 2009


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