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RDP hockey players named ACAC All-Stars

Mar 18, 2023 | 2:45 PM

Two Kings and three Queens hockey players from Red Deer Polytechnic are ACAC All-Stars.

On the Kings side, forward Jacob Kendall (Bachelor of Education-Elementary) and rearguard Parker Gavlas (Business Certificate) earned nods.

For the Queens, garnering honours are forwards Avery Lajeunesse (Bachelor of Education-Elementary) and Madison Sansom (Social Work), as well as blueliner Alesha Santos (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).

Kendall, from Camrose, had a league-leading 15 goals in the regular season to go with nine assists in 22 games.

Gavlas, a Saskatoon native, had four goals and nine assists for 13 points, fourth most among blueliners.

“Parker is an example of a player who is physical, hard to play against, great on the penalty kill, and will block shots,” says Kings Head Coach Trevor Keeper. “But he’s also a smooth skater with good hands and a great shot, which makes him dangerous on our five-man offense and the powerplay. Though he’s a first-year player with us, he is a bit older and a very mature player on the ice.”

The Kings take on the NAIT Ooks tonight in Game 2 of the Championship Final in Edmonton at 6 p.m.

(RDP Athletics)

Lajeunesse, during her third year in her hometown of Red Deer, had eight goals (second most) and six assists. Sansom, of Saskatoon, had an identical stat line in her graduating year, including a seven-game point streak.

“We are simply a better team when she has the puck on her stick,” says Queens Head Coach Kelly Coulter. “She has shown poise and patience that reflects her confidence and experience. As a result, we are seeing the offensive abilities that we knew she always had. Her buying into the concept of good defending leads to more offensive opportunities has made a huge difference in her game.”

Santos, who hails from Calgary, had one goal with nine assists, the latter of which was tied for fifth best in the ACAC this season.

The Queens are currently up 1-0 in their best-of-five series against the NAIT Ooks. Game 2 goes Saturday.