The Bonnyville Pontiacs are thrilled to announce that Trey Funk is the AJHL’s Most Dedicated Player.

The Pontiacs captain and third-year forward from Redwood Meadows, Alberta, beat out three finalists to win the Don McNabb Memorial Trophy it was announced on Friday.

“Trey is an outstanding teammate, person and Pontiac,” said associate general manager Neil Langridge. “During his three years with our organization, his dedication has not wavered for the team and community of Bonnyville. Trey’s commitment to the game and his craft has been evident since his first days in the AJHL and for him to be recognized for his dedication is only fitting.”

Through his Pontiacs tenure, Funk has journeyed past an adversity-filled rookie season that was interrupted by COVID, made significant strides last year by earning a commitment to Canisius College, and has been a leader for the Yaks this season, posting a career high 21 goals and 22 assists.

He is the third Pontiac to receive the award, joining the likes of Ryan Symington in 2016-17 and Kevin Carthy in 2010-11.

“I am very happy for Trey, it’s more than well deserved,” said head coach Mario Pouliot.

“He’s a great leader, he has a tremendous work ethic, and a high compete level. For me, when I am thinking of Trey, he is a great warrior and he’s leading by example and he’s always pushing himself.

He plays the game at a high level, always pushing the pace, and he has a great desire to get better and win every game is playing. So, a tremendous honour for him, I’m really happy. It’s well deserved and I’m really proud to be his coach.”

Graduating from junior hockey this season, Funk will have donned the Yaks jersey 118 times in the regular season, collecting 37 goals and 44 assists, heading into the finale on Friday night vs the Grande Prairie Storm. The Bonnyville Pontiacs tip their cap to the dedication of Trey Funk and congratulate him on the achievement.

The Bonnyville Pontiacs are excited to announce that Nicolas Beaudoin has been named the AJHL Rookie of the Year.

Beaudoin received the most votes out of four finalists to win the Dick White Trophy, the league announced on Friday.

The St. Paul, Alberta native has taken the league by storm this season, scoring 39 goals and 33 assists in 54 games played heading into the regular season finale on Friday night. That is currently the lead amongst all rookies in goals and points, sitting two ahead of Brooks Bandits defenceman Sam Court, and second overall in goals amongst all skaters.

“I’m very happy for Nico, it’s well deserved,’ said head coach Mario Pouliot.

“He’s a great kid, he’s a passionate kid, he loves the game, he works extremely hard every day to get better. He builds his own success and is a guy that when the pressure is there, he is always pushing really hard to do good. I’m really proud to be his coach and it’s more than well deserved.”

Playing 17 games as an affiliate with the Yaks last season, Beaudoin was a star with the St. Paul Canadiens of the North Eastern Alberta Junior B Hockey League in 2021-22. He claimed Rookie of the Year in that league scoring 16 goals and 21 assists in 24 games, and registering 15 points in 10 games en route to a Provincials run.

“Nico’s dedication to the game of hockey and his success has been unwavering for years, coming in last year as a relatively unknown affiliate and eventually earning his spot on this years team, Nico has blazed a path that not many have and its a testament to his character and drive,’ stated associate general manager Neil Langridge.

“Nico is only the second Pontiac to ever receive the honour and i couldn’t be happier for him to be recognized for his accomplishments.”

His lineage is strong within the organization. Beaudoin’s older brother, Jean-Marc, was a stalwart with the franchise as well, playing from 2002-2006, and eventually becoming captain of Quinnipiac University in his senior year of NCAA hockey.

Nicolas will be following his brother’s footsteps onto the next level in the future as well, as he is committed to University of Alaska-Fairbanks. The Pontiacs organization is proud of the success Nicolas Beaudoin has achieved this season and know that the future remains bright for the Lakeland area product.

The Pontiacs are back in action in the RJ Lalonde tonight, March 3rd at 7:00pm, to close out the regular season.