Connolly in Running for Rookie of the Year

By 250 Sports

Prince George, B.C. - An outstanding 16-year old season for Prince George Cougars forward Brett Connolly has earned him the Western Conference nod for finalist of the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as WHL Rookie of the Year.

The Western Hockey League announced its 2008-09 Western Conference All-Star teams and awards finalists today. Connolly becomes the first Prince George Cougar to be selected a finalist for WHL rookie of the year and the first Cougar since Dan Hamhuis won Player of the Year and Top Defenceman in 2002 to challenge for an individual WHL year end award. 

Connolly finished third in league rookie scoring with 60 points in 65 games, a new Cougar rookie scoring record. Connolly led all rookies in goals with 30 and power play goals with 12. Connolly also tied for the most game winning goals with 7 and tied with teammate Brian Matte for most short handed goals by a rookie with 2. Connolly also won the Cougars MVP and Rookie of the Year awards this season.

“It’s a great honor to be named a finalist for rookie of the year,” says Connolly, “I could not have achieved the success I had without my teammates and also from our fans, who’s support for myself and our team kept pushing me every game. I want to congratulate all other nominees for the award for the outstanding seasons they had, as well.”

The Western Hockey League will announce its Eastern Conference awards finalists tomorrow in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The WHL award winners will be announced at the 2008-09 WHL awards luncheon in Edmonton, Alberta on Wednesday, April 29^th, 2009.

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