The Belleville Senators have handed out their team awards for the 2023-24 season.
Winners were selected by members of the B-Sens hockey operations staff and players and recognize player performance and commitment to the organization and Bay of Quinte community throughout the season
Players were honoured for their achievements before the B-Sens’ home game against Syracuse on Wednesday, with awards presented by longtime season seat members, key corporate partners, and Senators staff.
Most Valuable Player – #22 Garrett Pilon
The 26-year-old from Mineola, New York has picked up 46 points (18 goals, 28 assists) over 60 games with Belleville in 2023-24. With two games left to play, he’s set new personal records in goals, assists and points, and is tied for the team scoring lead.
Belleville Sens Head Coach Dave Bell:
“Garrett has been Mr. Everything for us. He plays in all situations, power play, penalty kill, overtime, etc. He’s scored some huge goals for us and won some very important faceoffs at critical times in games. Any line he’s on, he’s produced all year and made that group better.”
Defensive Player of the Year – #3 Dillon Heatherington
Heatherington has led by example on the Belleville blueline with a third consecutive season with a positive +/- rating (+9) over 60 appearances
Belleville Sens Head Coach Dave Bell:
“Dillon is a pillar of stability for us on the back end. He leads the team in blocks and is near the top of our overall +/- statistics, not to mention what he means to the guys in our dressing room, as our Captain.”
Offensive Player of the Year – #9 Angus Crookshank
Crookshank has collected 46 points (24 goals, 22 assists) over 50 AHL games this season, while also making his National Hockey League debut and collecting three points (two goals, one assist) over 13 games.
Belleville Sens Head Coach Dave Bell:
“Angus has missed 22 games with our Club and is still tied for the team lead in points. He’s our top goal scorer, and has been for the past two seasons now, and is a key factor in our offence on the majority of nights.”
Rookie of the Year – #10 Zack Ostapchuk
Collecting 28 points (17 goals, 11 assists) over his first 66 American Hockey League games, The 20-year-old from Edmonton has been Belleville’s top point-producing rookie and earned his first National Hockey League call-up this season, playing in six games with Ottawa.
Belleville Sens Head Coach Dave Bell:
“Zack has gotten better each and every game of the season. He’s played well enough to earn his first NHL call-up and even as a first-year player, continues to be called upon in all situations. Not only does he play in those different situations, but he succeeds.”
IOA/American Specialty Man of the Year – #4 Jacob Larsson
Awarded to a Belleville Sens player for their outstanding contributions across the Bay of Quinte community and beyond. The 26-year-old defenseman from Ljungby, Sweden has set new career bests in goals, assists, and points this season, while also playing a significant role in the Club’s community programming being a constant fixture in the Club’s Sens in School program.
Belleville Sens Head Coach Dave Bell:
“Jacob is a salt of the earth person. He’s caring and attentive, always looking out for and after his teammates, and regularly offers his time to the Club’s community programming throughout the City of Belleville and Bay of Quinte Region.”
Coaches Choice Award – #13 Egor Sokolov
In his fourth year in the Senators organization, Sokolov has 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists) over 69 games so far this season and the 23-year-old from Yekaterinburg, Russia has become Belleville’s all-time leader in games played (237), goals (73), assists (103) and points (173).
Belleville Sens Head Coach Dave Bell:
“Availability is the best ability, and Egor is always available. A team-first guy, he’s emotionally invested in the success of the team, his teammates and our community.”
Players Choice Award – #46 Ryan MacKinnon
Awarded to the player deemed to be most valuable to the Club, as voted on by the players, MacKinnon has dressed in 26 games picking up three assists. Always putting the team first, MacKinnon played games at both his natural position on the blue line, as well as at forward while also contributing to a positive culture in the locker room.
Belleville Senators Captain Dillon Heatherington:
“In my opinion, the Players Choice Award is probably the most highly valued award you can get and it couldn’t have gone to a better guy. He comes to the rink every day, helps out with the young guys, he’s so easy to talk to, shows up and works so hard, and is just a key ingredient to this locker room. It’s a pleasure coming to the rink every day with him.”
