A few first half awards I would like to hand out.

MVP: Myles Bell. You don’t rack up 50 points in the first half and not be considered for the award. What makes Bell’s point totals so impressive is the fact he had to move to a new position this season. Sure, he had a stint up front last year, but moving full time to a forward role, and making it look easy, was impressive. Now considered an elite player for WHL teams to keep their eye on, Bell is still producing, whether it’s even strength or on the power play. Now NHL teams are taking notice and will undoubtedly look at signing the personable Bell.  With a heavy shot, soft hands, unassuming physical strength and an improved work ethic, Bell is my first half MVP.  Honorable Mention: Zach Franko

Top Defenceman: Damon Severson. Severson elected to concentrate on defense this season and he is a far better player for it. Wanting to generate offense in his draft year, he often coughed up the puck and was at times more of a hindrance than a help on the power play.  Now the 18 year-old can relax and just play the game. No draft to worry about, no contract to fret about, Severson is now generating more points in the last month than he did in the previous two combined.  Damon Severson is my first half selection as Top Defenceman.  Honorable Mention: Madison Bowey

Rookie of the Year: Rourke Chartier. The 16 year-old has been solid in his first season in the WHL. The teams first round pick in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft is a hard worker, often spends time on the power play and earlier this season was playing with the teams top players.  Chartier’s natural instincts makes him an easy player to coach and a fun player to watch. Just wait until he becomes physically stronger. Rourke Chartier is my first half Rookie of the Year. Honorable Mention: Mitch Wheaton.

Unsung Hero : Colton Sissons. He is a heart and soul player that everyone wants to have on their team. He leads, he wins face offs, he block shots and yes he can score. Sissons will do whatever it takes to get a win for his team.  While Sissons is my first choice, Cody Fowlie is a darn close second. While the 20 year-old arrived on the scene late, Fowlie works his tail off, checks and adds an element of skill. Fowlie never takes a night off and has been a huge asset to the Rockets success this season.  Colton Sissons is my first half Unsung Hero. Honorable Mention: Cody Fowlie

Most Improved:  Zach Franko. Can a player that earned 53 points in his rookie season, be eligible for the most improved player two seasons later? The 19 year-old somehow, somewhere found his game after a disappointing 18 year-old season.  Often shy around pucks, Franko is now the first player on it and sees the ice surface like no other player on his team.  A gifted play maker, this is the Zach Franko the Rockets scouts believed they were getting when they chose him in the second round behind Shane McColgan.   Honorable Mention: MacKenzie Johnston.