Thank you fro those who attended the Langley Trappers Awards Banquet.
This was the Eighth season of Trappers competition in the Pacific Junior Hockey League. I’d like to thank you the players, parents, and volunteers for being a part of the 2024-2025 season. To the standards of the club and the coaching staff, we ultimately fell short of our goals on the ice but, also experienced a lot of positives with this group of young men and support staff both on and off the ice. This past offseason, we welcomed in new game staff in the Director, Play-By-Play, Public Service Announcer, Camera Operations, Colour Commentary, Game Host, and ticketing roles. We adopted an online-ticketing system allowing for assigned seating, and though this came with some trial and error, I believe the show and experience grew to one of the best we as an organization has ever offered and best off-ice production in the league. Thank you all for helping us achieve this high standard.
The team began the season with 12 Rookie players making the Trappers one of the two youngest teams in the league for the second year in a row. The Trappers saw four of our players hit the Century mark for Games Played in the league, those being Justin Sumners, Sam Brown, Patrick Coopman, and Nabeel Moledina.
The team was challenged with a heavy front loaded game schedule due to the displacement at the GPRC in January. Because of this, the team had to learn quickly, come together, and buy in. There were casualties along the way; a stark reminder of the results driven business hockey can be. Yet, through the process we learned. We learned about one another, and we learned about ourselves. We learned about work-ethic, teamwork, role players, and glue guys. We learned how to forecheck, backcheck, dump and chase and how to attack in numbers. We learned how to chase a 60-minute game, how to compete in the trenches, and how to stand up for one another. Yet, unfortunately, we learned some hard lessons too. We learned to hate to lose. It is important we never stop learning from both the positive and negative sense. No matter where you go in hockey or in life after. Always be willing to learn—always keep an open mind to knowledge and always keep what hockey has taught you as a core part of your character because it’s one thing to play hockey, it’s a privilege to be a hockey player. It has been my pleasure to have been a part of your hockey storey this season.
Volunteer of the Year: Bruce Nolte
One of the hardest decisions we make each season is choosing our Volunteer of the Year. The Langley Trappers are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers who give their time and energy to make our game nights run smooth. Each one of you plays a vital role in creating the atmosphere that makes our organization special, and we are truly grateful for all that you do.
This year’s recipient may be in his first season with the Trappers, but he is no stranger to the PJHL. Having previously volunteered with the Delta Ice Hawks, he came to our organization ready to help in any way needed. Whether it was stepping in wherever we asked or taking on new challenges, he has been a valuable addition to our team. he’s truly found his niche behind the camera—making sure every play is captured for our replays and at-home audience. But his contributions didn’t stop there. He also worked tirelessly to seek out donations for our silent auction and raffle prizes, adding a whole new element to our game nights and helping elevate our provided experience.
On behalf of the entire Langley Trappers organization, it is my absolute pleasure to recognize and thank our 2025 Volunteer of the Year—Mr. Bruce Notle!
Thank you Ice Crew: Adam & Bradley Hodgson, Lucas & Oliver Zacher & Parker Lattimer & Kayson Blackburn!
This season, the Langley Trappers introduced a new element to our game night operations, and it quickly became an important part of enhancing the game night experience. Tonight, I want to take a moment to recognize a special group of young volunteers—our Ice Crew.
Week after week, they’ve been here with us on game nights, stepping up to help with whatever we’ve asked—whether it’s clearing pucks after warm-up, collecting frisbees, or lending a hand in any way they can. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and team-first attitude have made a real impact, and we’re so grateful to have them as part of the Trappers family.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of their parents, who make sure they’re here and ready to go each game night. A huge thank you to all of you as well!
While not all of them could be here tonight, I’d like to take a moment to recognize Kaysen Blackburn, Bradley Hodgson, and Adam Hodgson. We have some awards as a small token of our appreciation for all your hard work.
Impact Player of the Year 1: Samuel Brown
This year we are going to award two players with the Impact of the Year Award.
Awarded to the player who has major impacts on the games played. It could be a big hit levied, wizard face-off stats, timely shot blocks, taking hits to make plays, as we like to say earning your receipts, scoring the coveted game winning goal, or stepping up off the ice for the team and teammates.
The first Impact Player of the Year plays the game with a chip on his shoulder. He enjoys battling in the corner and getting physical. He was an every situation guy playing 5on5 as well as special teams. He understood when the team needed a spark and often wanted to deliver with a big hit, a fight, or a goal. He plays the game on the edge, with passion and compete. He played in 45 Games this season scoring 9 Goals and 21 Assists for 30 Points and 118 Penalties in Minutes.
The first Impact Player of the Year is #17 Sam Brown
Impact Player of the Year 2: Nabeel Moledina
The Second Impact Player of the Year goes to the player who took strides both on and off the ice this season. His game development improved because of his work ethic and desire to be better. His character growth was literally watching a boy turn into a man over the past six months as he stepped up when the going got tough. He took a leadership role without a letter on his jersey and began to steer the team in the right direction. He, as well as Sam, had one of the best fights of the season. He blocked shots, took hits to make plays, and consistently took his game to the crease edge to engage in the battle right to the whistle. He appeared in 40 games with 7 Goals and 17 Assists for 24 Points and 41 Penalties in Minutes.
The Second Impact Player of the Year goes to #3 Nabeel Moledina.
Guzzo’s Award for Best Teammate: Calvin Bright
Named after Michael Guzzo, a Langley Trappers player from 2017-2020, The Guzzo award is given to a player who gives more than just hockey talent and ability to the season. The best teammate is a dressing room guy. He is someone that is always looking to help others out. He sacrifices for the betterment of the team, He shows up. Always. He brings a positive attitude to the rink and is always smiling because of his sheer love for hockey, for team, and for the opportunity to compete. This Year’s Best teammate is one of the youngest Veterans on the team. He is a defenceman with wheels, and a player who is a willing combatant. He exemplified what it is to be a Trapper and be a good teammate both on and off the ice. He has appeared in 69 Games over the last two seasons. This year he tallied 1 Goal and 2 assists for 3 Points and 14 Penalties in Minutes.
The Guzzo’s Best Teammates Award goes #14 Calvin Bright
Most Improved Player: Lucas Wood
Awarded to the player who demonstrated the largest improvement throughout the season. He became a better skater, shooter, forechecker, back-checker, play maker, and physical player. His IQ and game awareness took strides this season and his game away from the puck was the most noticeable improvement. He was a sponge; a true student of the game wanting to understand and perform in every aspect of his assignments. He didn’t shy away from the physical game. He would throw big hits, and block shots with excitement. He is one of the youngest players on the team dedicating himself to a hockey first mindset and schedule. He will be an exciting player to watch for years to come.
The 2025 Most Improved Player goes to #12 Lucas Wood
Unsung Hero of the Year: Dwayne-Paul Cruz
Awarded to the player who does all the little things right. He is a well-liked player by his teammates and was a finalist for the Guzzo award for Best Teammate this year as well. This player was a steady force throughout the season. He didn’t break under pressure. He always had a get up and go mentality, chasing wins and his desire to be the best he can be. His position saw a lot of turnover this season but, he kept true to himself and earned his spot. This guy competes night in and night out. He battles to the very end and is never out of a play. He had sequences of 3-4 saves, standing on his head when anyone else would surely be beat. He finished the season appearing in 24 Games securing 10 Wins, a 3.18 Goals Against Average and a .898 Save Percentage.
The Unsung Hero of the Year is #30 Dwayne-Paul Cruz.
Rookie of the Year: Ian Burns
Awarded to the player who made a large impact in his first season as a member of the Langley Trappers. It took him a couple weeks to find his stride but, when he did, he took off. He was a beneficiary of the team systems using them to his advantage to find open ice. He looked comfortable in high pressure situations and wanted the puck on his stick or at least, to be involved in the play. He was a play maker, quickly transitioning and moving the puck to teammates while picking up his own speed to attack opponents in numbers. He has a high skill set and reminds the staff of a Markus Naslund type player; two-way, defensively sound, and offensively dangerous. He finished the season as the highest rookie Goal scorer finishing with 11 Goals on the season.
The Rookie of the Year Award goes to #22 Ian Burns
Defenseman of the Year: Ryan Howe
The Defenseman of the year award goes to the Defenseman who excels in every aspect of the position. This individual is defensively responsible, plays with good gap control, creates turnovers, and executes quick give and go plays as well as quick transitions. He is able to quarterback the controlled breakout and is also able to press with accurate first passes. He enjoys jumping in the rush as the fourth forward and was known at times to lead the rush from the defensive zone. He quickly became an every situation player, playing minutes on the Powerplay, Penalty Kill, and 5on5. He is a bright hockey mind and a student of the game wanting to turn every defensive battle into an offensive threat.
The Defenseman of the Year Award goes to #5 Ryan Howe
Forward of the Year: Patrick Coopman
The top forward is a player who is responsible in all areas of play. He contributes offensively as well as defensively. He has a knack for scoring, play making, and competing in all quadrants. This player can score in many ways including tipping shots, shooting for tips, scoring clean, scoring through traffic, scoring under pressure, and finding ways to advance the puck to extend plays. He is a well-liked and respected voice in the dressing room, encouraging creativity with his team and extended line mates. He suffered an early season injury, and his absence was noticeable. When he returned, he led by example becoming the highest Point Per Game player on the team. He appeared in 30 Games scoring 14 Goals and 10 Assists for 24 points and a .80 PPG average. Over three seasons with the club he has appeared in 118 total games and was an Assistant Captain this season.
The Forward of the Year Award goes to #19 Patrick Coopman
Wagner Award for Most Points: Ryan Howe
The Wagner Award for Most Points goes to the player who led the team in combined Goals and Assists throughout the Regular Season. It was a tight race this season with the acquisition of Dalton Toma who finished with 30 points and Sam Brown, who also finished with 30 Points. Ultimately, Ryan Howe took the crown with 5 Goals, 26 Assists for 31 Points in 44 games played. He took advantage of the Powerplay where he scored 2 Goals and tallied 14 Assists for 16 of his 31 points on the PP. He becomes the first Defenseman in Trappers history to win the Wagner Award for Most Points. #5 Ryan Howe.
Most Valuable Player: Ian Burns
The Most Valuable Player is awarded to the player who showcased himself and the organization positively throughout the entire season. The MVP epitomizes what it means to be a Trapper. This Player loves to play hockey. He is always one of the first ones on the ice and always one of the last players off the ice. He never took a day off showing up to all optional and skills practices. He was always willing to show up for the goalies to be a shooter when they were working on specific drills. He became a pure student of the game buying into the team structure and systems, using both to his full advantage. He elevated himself the entire season, earned a spot on the Powerplay and never gave an inch physically. He is a work horse, pushing himself and his teammates through grueling drills, leading by example even as a rookie on the team. He finished the season with 39 Games Played, 11 Goals and 11 Assists for 22 Points, and 18 Penalties in Minutes. He will be a fun player to watch over the coming years and we are excited he is a Langley Trapper.
The Most Valuable Player Award goes to #22 Ian Burns
