Tier 1 Thunder hand out year-end team awards

With the season in the books for the Langley Junior Tier 1 Thunder, the team has announced its year-end winners.

Noah Buchan, Dane Hiebert, Joseph Killcommons, Kade Leifsson, Vaughn Pinchin and Talon Schroeder were recognized as the individual winners, as chosen by the team’s coaching staff and management.

The Thunder had no fifth-year players, just one fourth year and four third years among the 25-player roster, it was a learning experience for the young squad.

Most Valuable Player: Noah Buchan

While it was Buchan’s first year of junior lacrosse, he was described as young, tough defender who embraced the leadership role like he was a seasoned veteran.

Despite battling injuries, Buchan led the team both in the room and on the floor. Primarily used as a defender, he finished seventh in team scoring with seven goals and 13 points in 14 games.

“Noah pushed our group to be better every game and helped bring the team together.”

Top Offensive Player: Vaughn Pinchin

Pinchin was the team’s top offensive threat as the lefty forward led the Thunder with 28 goals and 57 points in 17 games.

“Vaughn carried the offense with multiple point nights in almost every game. It’s a very bright future for the big lefty.”

Top Defensive Player: Dane Hiebert

“The big righty played like a veteran this year, leading the D corps with solid outings every night while also chipping in at the offensive end of the floor. He will be a future start in the league.”

Hiebert finished with five goals and nine points in 13 games.

Unsung Hero: Talon Schroeder

A first-year junior, Schroeder finished fourth on the team with 18 goals and 33 points in 16 games.

“A young offensive threat who did whatever was asked of him, playing offence and defence as injuries piled up. Talon is a quiet, confidence player with big upside.”

Top Rookie: Joseph Killcommons

An import player from New York, Killcommons joined the team in June for the final six games. After being held pointless in his debut, Killcommons had four two-goal games and a four-goal outing in the last five games. He finished with a dozen goals and 19 points.

“He stepped in right away and produced. Joey has a bright future in the game.”

Most Improved: Kade Leifsson

“Kade is a tenacious young defender who continued to improve every night and never backed down from any challenge presented to him.”

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