Courtesy of Canadian Junior Hockey League
CALGARY, Alta. – The Canadian Junior Hockey League announced Wednesday the names of the five players who have been selected finalists for the CJHL’s Top Rookie Award in 2019-20.
Each of the contenders were determined through a voting process completed by each of the CJHL’s 10-member leagues, for their respective efforts during the course of the regular season.
Carter Loney, (F) Steinbach Pistons (MJHL)
In his first full MJHL season with Steinbach, 17-year-old Loney established himself as a legitimate all-star. The young University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs NCAA Division I commit saw him post the following numbers: GP: 52; G: 16; A: 34; PTS: 50.
Loney led all 2002-birth-year MJHL skaters in scoring. His efforts helped lead Steinbach to a regular-season title in 2019-20. Earlier this season Loney competed in the World Junior A Challenge with Team Canada West. He also participated in the CJHL Prospects Game where he was the top on-ice skills testing performer, among all players, and helped his West side skate to victory.
Loney was 10th highest-rated CJHL prospect, 167th overall among North American skaters in the final National Hockey League Central Scouting Draft Rankings released on April 8.
Devon Levi (G), Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL)
Nicholas DeGrazia, (F) Rayside-Balfour Canadians (NOJHL)
Matteo Costantini, (F) Buffalo Jr. Sabres (OJHL)
Tristan Lemyre, (F) Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)
Earning honorable mention for the CJHL Top Rookie Award in 2019-20 were the following:
Brayden Krieger, (F) Brooks Bandits (AJHL); Logan Terness, (G) Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL); Anthony Di Cesare, (F) Les Braves de Valleyfield (LHJAAAQ); Zach Biggar, (D) Summerside Western Capitals (MHL) and Ryan Howe (F), Red Lake Miners (SIJHL).
This marks the second year in a row that a player from the MJHL has been recognized for the award. Last season, Portage Terriers defenceman, Owen Murray was also named a finalist for CJHL Top Rookie.
