Paronuzzi nominated for CJHL awards

Connor Paronuzzi’s historic season could come with even more hardware, as the Steinbach forward is one of five finalists for the Canadian Junior Hockey League top forward and player of the year awards.

Already named the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s most valuable player, Paronuzzi re-wrote the Steinbach Pistons’ single-season record book, setting new highs for assists (64) and points (93). He was the first Piston to be named the league’s most valuable player for a season.

The news release noted Paronuzzi “is a player that can simply turn a nothing play into offense.”

The CJHL organizes junior A hockey leagues across the country.

He’s up against Yorkton’s Jaron Desnoyers, Calgary’s Jack Plandowski, Greater Sudbury’s Lucas Signoretti, Braves de Valleyfield’s James Swan and Leamington’s Coton Smith for the top forward award. Flin Flon’s Matthew Kieper, Whitecourt’s Zac Onyskiw, Smith and Signoretti for CJHL most valuable player.

The MJHL had several great seasons worth recognition this year, with other players also up for national awards. Finalists were selected through a voting process involving all nine leagues which are part of the CJHL.

Portage goalie Mitchell Kathler, who backstopped the Terriers past Steinbach in the first round of the playoffs, is up for rookie of the year honours. Dauphin defenseman Naaman Hofer is a finalist for the defenseman of the year and Winkler goaltender Liam Ernst is nominated for goaltender of the year.

First-year Winkler head coach, Matt Melo, who led the Flyers to a top-seeded record is a nominee for coach of the year.