Stars Auger named finalist for CJHL top defenceman

The Canadian Junior Hockey League announced Saturday the names of the five players who have been selected finalists for the CJHL’s Top Defenceman Award in 2018-19.

Each of the finalists were determined, following a voting process completed by each of the CJHL’s 10-member leagues, for their respective efforts during the course of the regular season.

The following are the five nominees for CJHL Top Defenceman honours, which are listed alphabetically, by league.

T.J. Lloyd (D), Spruce Grove Saints (AJHL)

Spruce Grove Saints Captain T.J. Lloyd was the 2018-19 recipient of the W.G. (Bill) Scott Memorial Trophy as the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Outstanding Defenceman. … The award recognizes the defensive player who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability in the position throughout the season. … The 19-year-old defenceman, who is committed to Bowling Green State University (NCAA), is completing his third season with the Saints after helping lead the Saints to their 2018 AJHL Championship. … T.J. Lloyd represented the AJHL as a member of Team Canada West at the 2018 World Junior A Challenge. … He was also selected as the Canalta Hotels AJHL Player of the Week in October 2018 was and was twice recognized as the Viterra AJHL Star of the Game. … T.J. was a finalist for the Outstanding Defenceman award in the 2017-18 season.

With files from: Charla Flett, Vice-President, Communications (AJHL)

James Miller (D), Penticton Vees (BCHL)

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound defenceman led the Vees in scoring this season with 62 points, making him the first Penticton blueliner to lead the team in scoring since the 2010-11 season. … His 44 assists led all defencemen and were tied for the fourth-most in the league. … The third-year veteran was named the BCHL Player of the Month in November when he put up eight goals and 14 assists in 13 games. … Miller had 18 different multi-point nights during the season, highlighted by a four-point effort in a 5-3 win over the Powell River Kings on Jan. 11. … He is committed to Northern Michigan University for the 2019-20 season.

With files from: Jesse Adamson, Communications Coordinator (BCHL)

Zack Hoffman (D), Navan Grads (CCHL)

The 1998-born Newcastle, Ont., native was the first defenceman in 41 years to be named CCHL Most Valuable Player. … He led all CCHL skaters in ice time with an average of 31:26 per game. … Hoffman finished fourth overall in scoring among league defencemen in scoring with 44 points with 11 goals and 3 assists. … His efforts helped the Grads reach 59 points in the CCHL standings, which was 40 more than the club had ins 2017-18 when they finished last in the 12-team league with just 19 points. … The two-way defenceman was a leader on and off the ice as he helped the Grads reach the postseason for the first time since the 2015-16 season. … Hoffman will continue his hockey career in U Sports at St. Mary’s University in Halifax, N.S., this fall. … GP 62 - G 11 - A 33 P 44

With files from: Sean Marcellus, Director of Hockey Operations (CCHL)

Marc-Éric Bourque, (D) Titan de Princeville (LHJAAAQ)

Bourque was voted the best defenseman for the 2018-19 season in the LHJAAAQ. … The veteran defenceman skated for the LHJAAAQ champions Titan de Princeville. … The Chandler, Que., native finished first in the league in scoring among defencemen and also ended up sixth among all scorers in the LHJAAAQ. … In just 48 games during the regular season Bourgue scored 13 times and added 76 assists for 89 points. … He also registered a plus-minus differential of plus-36 overall. … He led Princeville in plus-minus this season. … Bourque was second in scoring on the Titan. … His 76 assists in 2018-19 led all players in the LHJAAAQ.

With files from: Yves Bolduc, Assistant Commissioner (LHJAAAQ)

Kyle Auger (D), Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL)

Auger was a unanimous selection in voting for SIJHL Top Defenceman honours. … The 20-year-old Thunder Bay product had a tremendous campaign leading all SIJHL defencemen in goals (33), assists (69), points (102), game-winning goals (8), power play tallies (8) and man advantage assists (19). His overall point total established a league record for the most in a single season by a blueliner. … His overall offensive totals saw him finish in tie for top spot, but was credited as the runner-up due to less goals scored; eight less than teammate Keighan Gerrie. … Auger was selected to take part in the SIJHL All-Star Game and was named a league 1st Team All-Star on defence in 2018-19. … Was named the SIJHL’s Performer of the Month for November. … In 80 career league games, Auger has scored 48 times and added 92 assists for 140 points. … Of his 48 goals, 14 have been game-winners. … The Thunder Bay native still has one more year of Jr. A eligibility. 

With files from: Bryan Graham, Commissioner (SIJHL)