Last night was a great night for the Portage Terriers in the Dog Pound. Coming off a strong season 50-2-4 at that point the Terriers were well represented in the MJHL Awards as voted on by the league’s coaches.
We started the MJHL Awards with 3 named to the 1st All Star Team. Forwards Zack Waldvogel, liney Brad Bowles and the Terriers Defensive Captain Tanner Jago. When asked what the honour meant to him Waldvogel had this to say, “I’m very honoured to have been chosen to the All Star team. There’s so many good players in this league it could have gone to anyone.”
There were also 3 Terriers up for the individual awards and all were successful. Brad Bowles received the Lorne Lyndon Trophy for Hockey Ability while Tanner Jago picked up the Brian Kozak for Top Defensemen. Our coach and GM Blake Spiller was also recognized by being named the MJHL Coach of the Year. Blake a man of few words off the bench, was honoured to be the recipient of an award that is named after former Terrier Coach Muzz McPherson that led his team to Victory in the Centennial Cup in 1972-73.
Waldvogel, Bowles and Jago while all happy to be recognized for the work they do on the ice every day seemed to be liked minded in looking forward to the playoffs. Bowles says he owes his successes this year to his team that contribute to all he accomplishes on the ice. He also said he’s feeling great heading in to the playoffs with this team. “We have the talent to make it far this year and I think everyone is eager to get it started. Personally, I’m going to try to chip in any way I can and do whatever is going to help up win games. “
Jago who is no stranger to MJHL accolades having won the Vince Leah Rookie of the Year trophy in 2012 while with the Winkler Flyers says this trophy may be just a little bit sweeter. “This trophy is very comparable to the Rookie of the Year trophy back in 2012, but I’d put this one above it for sure. Probably because it’s my 20 year old season and it’s good to go out with an honour like this one.” Jago also went on to talk about what his role will be in the upcoming playoffs. “I don’t think my role has to change much from the regular season. We have a good group in the room and guys are always up and ready to play no matter who we play that night. I think if I can stay consistent in all areas of the game, that’s all I can do on the ice. As for off the ice, as I said, we have an easy going group in the room and as long as we all have the mindset of getting wins night by night, we’ll be fine.”
Waldvogel the only hometown boy and longest playing Terrier Vet feels much the same way. “Everyone is really excited to get the playoffs going and to ultimately play in the RBC. We have a very solid team here and it seems like the fans are getting more excited also so it should make for good hockey leading up to it.” When asked what role he will play as we start our playoff run on March 11th at home, Waldvogel seemed excited. “I think my role will be to provide offense while being responsible defensively and basically to do whatever it takes to get the job done.”