On Saturday, Kootenay International Junior Hockey League alumni Ty Marchant (Kelowna Chiefs) and Josh Olson (Revelstoke/Sicamous/Princeton) were among players the Western Collegiate Hockey League recognized for their regular season awards.
Marchant, who plays for Arizona State University, was named to the All-League Second Team, the All-Rookie Team and Rookie of the Year. He had 13 goals and 25 points in 34 games.
“Ty Marchant was one of our biggest recruits last year. As a freshman, he stepped into our lineup and grabbed the number two D-man spot, and also quarterbacked one of our power-play units,” said ASU Assistant Coach Kelly Newton, a Penticton native, who played in the KIJHL for the Rossland Junior Warriors from 1986-88. “He has been a pleasure to coach, and we look forward to seeing where his skills will take him the next few years here at ASU.“
Of Marchant’s 13 goals, seven came on the power-play.
“My teammates and coaches have been extremely helpful in navigating schooling, as well as contributing to our on-ice achievements, and making my freshman year such a great experience.”
Olson was selected to the All-Rookies Team after he had 16 goals and 29 points in 31 games. He also scored three power-play goals and wrapped up the season with four goals and seven points in the final three games. In 32 games, MSU has 15 wins, 15 losses, as well as an overtime loss and a shootout loss.
“Once he adjusted to college hockey, which took a couple of months, he really became a top forward for us and among the top forwards in all of ACHA D1,” said MSU Head Coach Jeremy Law. “His work ethic day-in and day-out is a huge reason for his success, and he plays the game the right way. He’s very responsible at both ends of the ice and we are very lucky to have him at Missouri State.”
The WCHL coaches were asked to submit nominations for each of the post-season awards. For the WCHL All-League Team (First Team and Second Team) and All-Rookie Team, the coaches were permitted to vote for their own players; however, coaches were permitted to vote only one of their players for First Team consideration, Second Team and one for All-Rookie Team consideration.
