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NIKITA IVASHCHENKO

Blackfalds Bulldogs forward gets BCHL MVP nod

Apr 10, 2026 | 4:51 PM

Blackfalds Bulldogs forward Nikita Ivashchenko has been named a finalist for the BCHL’s Most Valuable Player award for the 2025-26 season.

Ivaschenko is up against Chilliwack Chiefs forward Nico Grabas, and West Kelowna Warriors goaltender Angelo Zol.

Per the BCHL:

“Ivashchenko tied for third in the league with 31 goals in 53 games and also finished fourth in points with 69. The Ukraine international piled up the points on the power play as well, finishing second in the league with 12 goals and 31 points with the man advantage.

“The Stonehill College commit went on a seven-game point streak from  Dec. 12 to Jan. 10, compiling 16 points over that stretch. He finished off that run with a one-goal, three-assist performance in a win over the Chilliwack Chiefs, one of four different occasions that he finished a game with four points during the season.”

Grabas was the league’s leading scorer this season, finishing his fourth season with 76 points and 31 goals in 50 games.

Zol, also nominated for Top Goaltender, led the league in almost every statistical category, including with six shutouts. He also had 27 wins in 36 appearances.

Past recipients of the Vern Dye Memorial Trophy for BCHL MVP include such names as Alex Newhook, Tyson Jost, Kyle Turris, Jeff Tambellini, Travis Zajac, Chuck Kobasew, Brett Hull, and Ray Ferraro.

Ivashchenko and the Bulldogs currently find themselves down 3-1 in the opening round against Sherwood Park. Game 5 is back in Blackfalds on April 10, with a 7 p.m. puck drop from the Eagle Builders Centre.

Game 6 is in Sherwood Park on April 12, if necessary; and Game 7 is in Blackfalds on April 14, if necessary.