Jr. Canadians honour goalie as MVP

Goaltender Brandon McCorriston, who recorded two shutouts, a 3.44 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage in 32 games for the Welland Jr. Canadians, is the junior B hockey team’s most valuable player for the 2016-17 season. The 19-year-old Welland Arena also received the Three Star Award at the team’s season-ending barbecue. Other multiple award winners were Ryan Miotto, rookie of the year, points leader and tied with fellow forward Matt Martin as top goal scorer, with 27; and Patrick Desjardins, honoured as best defenceman in both the regular season and playoffs. Forward Giovanni DeNardi was playoff MVP, defenceman Nicholas Bisser most improved player, while forwards Noah Bollert and Dravin Maye were the unsung hero and most gentlemanly player, respectively. Forward Matt Hobbs went home with the Welland Jr. Canadians Award for grit and leadership, and forward Ryan Donovan received the Murray Burkholder Memorial Award for dedication and desire. Martin was presented with the lifetime achievement award that is given to players who spend their entire junior B careers with the team. Miotti, 17, of Thorold also was selected as the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Golden Horseshoe Conference top rookie after scoring 27 goals and collecting 44 assists for 71 points in 48 games. Desjardins, 20, of Welland had 16 goals, 28 assists for 44 points in 44 games and was recognized as the conference’s top blue-liner.