Austin Vanichuk鈥檚 stellar season did not go unnoticed.

The 91原创 Thunder player won three awards as the 91原创 Thunder Junior A lacrosse team wrapped up its season and handed out its year-end awards.

In his first season of junior lacrosse, the left-handed forward lead the team with 32 assists and 47 points. 

And, the coach noted that his 15 goals also ranked second on the team, while Vanichuk was tops on the Thunder with six power-play goals.

Last week, he was crowned most valuable player, top offensive player, and top rookie.

鈥淎ustin possesses a great shot and quick feet and had an impressive season for us," said head coach Adam Smith.

In selecting the winners, the team's coaching staff and management offered thoughts on Vanichuk and others.

"Even as a rookie, he was relied on in all offensive situations and we look forward to watching him develop over his next four seasons of junior lacrosse," they said.

"Winning all three of these awards is a testament to his work ethic and natural ability. As Austin grows and matures, we believe these achievements are just the beginning of what he can accomplish.鈥�

Joining Vanichuk as award recipients were Nathaniel Leroux (Chilliwack), Temeke7 Gottfriedsen (Kamloops), Brayden Wandler (Pitt Meadows), and Brayden Bushnoe (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina).

Bushnoe: Most improved player

Bushnoe, who joined the Thunder from South Carolina, never played box lacrosse prior to this season. He was the only Thunder player to suit up in all 18 games and was the team鈥檚 primary face-off specialist, holding his own against the rest of the league by winning 97 of 190 face-off-offs, a .511 winning percentage.

Bushnoe also contributed offensively with nine goals and 23 points.

鈥淲hen Brayden joined us, it was his shooting and ability to take defenders on one-on-one which really stood out," said the judges.

"But as the season progressed, his stick became quicker, his knowledge of the box game grew and he became one of our more effective passers with his vision to see the play develop.鈥�

Gottfriedsen: Top defensive player

This 20-year-old (who has one year of junior remaining) from Kamloops, played in a dozen games for 91原创 this past season, scoring four goals and was the team鈥檚 most reliable defender.

鈥淭emeke7 is one of our hardest-working defenders. His tenacity and grit is unparalleled and it is this effort that gets him opportunities to push the ball up the floor in transition,鈥� shared the team's coaching staff and management.

Leroux: Unsung hero

This was Leroux鈥檚 first season with 91原创, after being acquired by trade, and the right-handed forward from Chilliwack finished with nine goals and 27 points in 16 games.

鈥淗is work ethic inside is something that is often overlooked as an offensive player. He does a fantastic job at constantly moving on the offensive side and finding space by going to tightly contested spots where others may shy away from," said Smith and his team.

Wandler: Top graduating player

Wandler was drafted by the Thunder and was traded at this year鈥檚 deadline to Burnaby.

His save percentage steadily improved in each of his four seasons with 91原创 going from .753 in his first season to .813 in 2024.

鈥淏rayden was an integral part of our organization for the past five years. An excellent goalie who established himself as one of the top at his position in the BCJALL,鈥� critiqued the staff.

ACCOLADES AT THE TIER 1 LEVEL

Similarly, at the 91原创 Thunder tier 1 level, the young athletes have wrapped up another season, and the team 鈥� under direction of head coach Darren Buchan have issued their player awards, too.

Cayden Beck-Boreson, Caleb Khan, Brayden Longacre, Nigel Nowak, Mac Timms, and Xavian Washington were recognized as the individual award winners, as chosen by the team鈥檚 coaching staff and management for 2024.

It was a young Thunder squad, with 16 of its 26 players in their first year of junior eligibility, Buchan explained.

鈥淭he mix of youth and experience blended very well and resulted in a very fun year,鈥� he said.

鈥淭he growth and improvement is a testament to their hard work. They all pushed each other to try harder, act better and want more.鈥�

The group managed a record of 9-8-1, good for sixth place in the BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League standings.

Most valuable player: Caleb Khan

The first-year goaltender quickly established himself as not only a leader for 91原创, but one of the top goalies in the league as evidenced by his 7.08 goals against average and .860 save percentage, which ranked fourth and second, respectively, in the league, the staff attested.

鈥淣obody worked harder or asked more questions than Caleb. And the most impressive part was his willingness to take advice, work on the weaknesses, and get better everyday.鈥�

Unsung hero: Cayden Beck-Boreson

The captain and only fifth year on the team, Beck-Boreson was a true leader for the team.

鈥淗e showed up every game, ready to work and proved worthy of his captaincy, every day, every shift. A strong, silent type who led by example,鈥� coaching staff and management agreed.

Offensive player: Brayden Longacre

The rookie left-handed forward led the team in assists (38), points (67), and points per game (4.5).

His assists and points also ranked him third and fourth in the league, respectively. Longacre also scored 29 goals with nine on the power play (second in the league) and two short-handed (tied for second).

鈥淗is consistency and desire shone through all year and he did it all: goals, assists, leading the back check, Brayden was a great example for all the young guys on how to carry yourself on and off the floor,鈥� said the coach.

Defensive player: Nigel Nowak

A six-foot-3, 180-pound right-handed rookie defender, Nowak was a steadying presence for the Thunder in the back end.

鈥淣igel worked hard all year and did everything asked of him, and more. He has a bright future and will be a big part of our organization for years to come,鈥� noted staff.

Top rookie: Mac Timms

A right-handed forward, Timms led the Thunder with 33 goals, which was also tied for third in the league, and was second on 91原创鈥檚 roster with 62 points. 

鈥淢ac is a natural born leader who worked hard and led our young offence in every way possible. His diligence in practice and constant communication with his teammates helped everyone grow and develop,鈥� coaches agreed.

Most improved: Xavian Washington

The versatile right-handed played all over the floor, stepping into whichever role the coaching staff needed and finished with a dozen goals and 25 points.

鈥淴avian鈥檚 talent was evident from the early stages of development camp, and he just worked hard and quietly went about his business. With his speed and raw talent, we moved him to the short-man unit and out the back door and he excelled in the defensive end. Just a true athlete who got better as the year progressed,鈥� the concluded.

91原创 Thunder lacrosse organization consists of senior A, junior A, and junior tier 1 teams that play in the Western Lacrosse Association, BC Junior A Lacrosse League, and BC Junior Tier 1 Lacrosse League 鈥� respectively. All three teams play their home games at 91原创 Events Centre.