Terriers’ Orr nominated for CJHL top defenceman award

Portage Terriers’ continue to gain national attention. Brett Orr of the Terriers is one of five nominees for the CJHL top defenceman award, the CJHL announced.

Orr, 20, is not related to NHL great Bobby Orr, but the two have one thing in common: both are outstanding hockey players. The native of Elkhorn was recently presented the Brian Kozak Trophy which is awarded to the MJHL’s top defenceman.

He’s also known for his strong offensive play, reflected in 42 points (13-29) in 52 games played. In addition to winning the Turnbull Cup, another highlight of his season came in December when he was named to the Canada West squad which won gold at the World Junior A Challenge.

Orr is now the third member of the Terriers to be nominated for a CJHL award: Nick Henry (CJHL Rookie of the Year) and Nathan Park (CJHL goaltender of the year). Each of the 10 leagues within the CJHL selected a nominee for respective awards. Following the initial round of voting, five players qualified as finalists for the award and will now advance to the final stage of the selection process.

The recipient of the 2015 CJHL Goaltender of the Year and all CJHL League Awards will be announced during the week of May 9th-13th. All award recipients will receive a special ring designed by Jostens Canada the official award supplier to the CJHL

Rounding out the final top four defencemen nominees:

 *Brinson Pasichnuk**, Bonnyville Pontiacs, AJHL (52 GP, 20 G – 45 A – 65 PTS)*

 Brinson Pasichnuk led all AJHL defencemen in scoring with 61 points (18G, 43A).  Pasichnuk was identified in the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Rankings and represented Team West at the 2016 CJHL Prospects Game.  He also won a Gold Medal with Team Canada West at the 2015 World Junior A Challenge.  Brinson and his brother Steenn recently committed to the NCAA Division I Arizona State University Sun Devils.

 *Dante Fabbro, Penticton Vees, BCHL (45 GP, 14 G – 53 A – 67 PTS)*

Fabbro put up 67 points to lead all BCHL blueliners and his 31 power-play points helped the Vees to a league-best 30.7 per cent success rate. The Coquitlam, B.C. product is committed to Boston University for next season and is expected to be a first-round selection in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

 *Patrick Kudla, Oakville Blades, OJHL (50 GP, 13 G – 53 A – 66 PTS)*

 Kudla led all OJHL rearguards with 66 points on the season, which was the 14th best total by a defenceman in league history. Kudla confirmed his commitment this season to join the NCAA Division I, Arizona State University Sun Devils (currently independent) beginning with the 2017-18 season.

 *Jonathan Fillion, **Collège Français de Longueuil**, QJHL (52 GP, 26 G –43 A – 69 PTS)*

He was selected on the QJHL All-Star team and named defenceman of the year in the QJHL.