THUNDER BAY – Patrick Murphy was the lone Lakehead player to get the nod on Wednesday when the OUA handed out its 2016-17 end-of-season hockey awards.
The first-year defender was named to the OUA West all-rookie team.
The 22-year-old Etobicoke, Ont. native scored three times and collected 11 assists playing all 28 regular-season games for the Thunderwolves, after spending the previous three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League.
The big winner of the day was York Lions defender Derek Sheppard, who earned most valuable player honours after a season that saw him score 12 times and add 20 assists, tying for eighth in league scoring. He also grabbed the defenceman of the year trophy.
Teammate Mack Shields was named rookie of the year for his performance between the pipes for the Lions, who take on Queen’s in this weekend’s Queen’s Cup, the OUA championship.
Ryerson’s Aaron Armstrong won the Randy Gregg Award of Merit, while Laurier’s Andrew Fritsch was handed the most sportsmanlike award.
York’s Chris Dennis was named coach of the year.
Here’s a complete list of the OUA West award winners.
Most Valuable Player: Derek Sheppard – Defence – York Lions
Rookie of the Year: Mack Shields – Forward – York Lions
Randy Gregg Award of Merit: Aaron Armstong – Forward – Ryerson Rams
Most Sportsmanlike Award: Andrew Fritsch – Forward – Laurier Golden Hawks
Defenceman of the Year: Derek Sheppard – Defence – York Lions
Coach of the Year: Chris Dennis – York Lions
OUA First-Team All-Stars
Aaron Armstong – Forward – Ryerson Rams
Michael Fine – Forward – Ryerson Rams
Andrew Radjenovic – Forward – Brock Badgers
Derek Sheppard – Defence – York Lions
Alex Basso – Defence – Ryerson Rams
Mack Shields – Goaltender – York Lions
OUA Second-Team All-Stars
Robert Lepine – Forward – Guelph Gryphons
Andrew Fritsch – Forward – Laurier Golden Hawks
Trevor Petersen – Forward – York Lions
Mike Moffat – Defence – Waterloo Warriors
Mackenzie Nicol – Defence – Guelph Gryphons
Charlie Graham – Goaltender – Ryerson Rams
OUA All-Rookie Team
Matt Mistele – Forward – Ryerson Rams
Josh Sterk – Forward – Ryerson Rams
Zac Coulter – Forward – Waterloo Warriors
Todd Ratchford – Defence – Windsor Lancers
Patrick Murphy – Defence – Lakehead Thunderwolves
Mack Shields – Goaltender – York Lions
