The Golden Rockets were well represented when the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League announced its Eddie Mountain Division award winners.
Forward Hayden Iron Shirt was named rookie of the year and head coach Jed Houseman earned coach of the year honours after guiding the Rockets to a third-place finish in the division.
Iron Shirt finished third in league rookie scoring with 57 points, including 22 goals and 35 assists, in 40 games. His 35 assists led all first-year players. He also scored five game-winning goals and averaged 22 minutes per game.
The Lethbridge, Alta., product was drafted by the WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes and also spent time with the Vancouver Giants during the season.
Houseman led Golden to a 23-18-3 record and 49 points. The Rockets posted an 82.2 per cent penalty kill, fifth best in the KIJHL.
Goaltender Beck Boiteau was a key part of Golden’s success, going 20-11-1 in 33 games with a .917 save percentage and a 3.18 goals-against average.
Elsewhere in the division, Kimberley Dynamiters forward Luke Davies was named both most valuable player and top scorer after recording 58 points in 36 games. Teammate Jackson Murphy was selected top defenceman and general manager Derek Stuart was also honoured. Fernie Ghostriders netminder Leo den Besten earned top goaltender, while Columbia Valley Rockies forward Peter Godley was named most sportsmanlike player.
Divisional winners are announced ahead of the KIJHL playoffs. Overall league award recipients will be named later.
