Harnden wins CIS rookie-of-the year honours

Thunder Bay's Zac Harnden is CIS hockey's rookie of the year.

The Western Mustangs forward, learned Wednesday night in Fredericton, N.B. that he had won the Clare Drake award, after a season that saw him lead all OUA freshmen with 17 goals and 31 points. Harnden, who attended Lakehead University last fall, but chose to play his hockey in London, Ont., was the sixth-highest scorer in the OUA and second on his team behind CIS scoring leader Keaton Turkiewicz.

"Zach has had a tremendous rookie season for us," Western coach Clarke Singer said in a release. "Not only is he the best rookie in the league, he is one of the top power forwards in the league, regardless of age."

Harnden, who initially committed to play at Dalhousie University in Halifax, beat out St. FX's Michael Kirkpatrick and Calgary's Teigan Zahn for the award.

His Mustangs are in Fredericton set to compete for the University Cup.

Joining Harnden on the CIS all-rookie squad was Lakehead defenceman Mitch Fillman. the Oakville, Ont. native had three goals and 16 assists for the Thunderwolves in 27 league games.

“Mitch stepped into the line-up as a freshman and made an immediate impact,” LU coach Joel Scherban said in a release of the former Western Hockey League forward.  

“He played on the top defence pairing, the first power play unit, and the second penalty-kill unit. Mitch led all Lakehead defencemen in ice time and played in the most critical situations.  He has a complete skill set, but it’s his ability to skate with the puck that sets him apart from most other defencemen in the CIS.  We’re proud of Mitch's accomplishments so far, and look forward to aiding his future development.”

Acadia's Andrew Clark won the Senator Joseph A. Sullivan Trophy as player of the year, while McGill's Marc-Andre Dorion was named defenceman of the year.

Alberta's Real Cyr took top goaltender honours, while Moncton's Serge Bourgeios won teh Father George Kehoe Memorial Award as the nation's best coach.