CHL Defenseman of the Year

News 2001-02

May 22 2002

CHL Defenseman of the Year

Dan Hamhuis of the Prince George Cougars was named the Canadian Hockey League's defenceman of the year on Wednesday at the Memorial Cup. The 19-year-old from Smithers, B.C., was chosen over nominees Erik Reitz of the Barrie Colts and Danny Groulx of the Victoriaville Tigres.

Hamhuis, a first-round pick of the Nashville Predators last year, was the Western Hockey League's player of the year and is also a nominee for the CHL player of the year that will be announced Thursday.

Brad Boyes of the Erie Otters, a teammate of Hamhuis's on the Canadian junior team, and Chicoutimi Sagueneens forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard, the leading scorer in the QMJHL, are the other candidates.

Hamhuis, a six-foot offensive blue-liner, averaged about 40 minutes a game for the Cougars with 50 assists and 10 goals in 59 games. He had five assists in seven playoff games.

"It was a busy year. It's a great way to cap off four years," said Hamhuis. "This summer is a big transition period for me. Hopefully I will be able to make the jump from the WHL to the pros."

Hamhuis, selected 12th overall by Nashville, says his agent and the Predators are currently in contract negotiations.

"It's starting to get a little bit closer," said Hamhuis. "My agent sounds fairly optimistic that it might happen in the next month or two."

Hamhuis was twice a member of the Canadian junior team, winning a silver medal in January and a bronze medal the previous year.

Courtesy of the Canadian Press

Stayed tuned to this Prince George Cougars Web Site and “inside the den” for updated information.