WARRIORS ANNOUNCE TEAM AWARDS FOR 2022.23 SEASON

Vancouver, B.C. – The Vancouver Warriors announced their annual Team Awards during their final game of the regular season on April 29 at Rogers Arena. Among the five awards announced, four were decided by a fan vote which took place from April 17-24.

Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Leading Scorer: Keegan Bal

With 34 goals, 53 assists and 87 points entering the final game of the regular season, Keegan Bal has been voted the Warriors Most Valuable Player and won the Leading Scorer Award for the 2022.23 season, with a near 30-point lead on the next closest player. Bal also leads the squad in power play goals (9), power play assists (15), and shots on goal (145).

“Keegan has been integral to the success of our team,” said Vancouver Warriors Interim General Manager & Head Coach Troy Cordingley. “He provides leadership on and off the floor and makes everyone who he plays with better. His offensive numbers speak for themselves, and he is a worthy selection as our Most Valuable Player.

Best Defenceman: Reid Bowering

Leading all Warriors defencemen in scoring with 17 points (5-12-17) in 15 games, Reid Bowering has been voted the Best Defenceman for the Warriors for the 22.23 season. Bowering’s 17 points place him sixth in the NLL, and his 210 loose balls is the fourth-best mark in the league.

“Reid only knows how to play at top speed and does everything at the highest level,” remarked Cordingley about Bowering. “Add to that, game after game, Reid gets the toughest defensive assignments taking on the league’s top offensive stars, and still is outstanding in every regard.”

Rookie of the Year: Jonathan Gagliardi

Registering four points (0-4-4) in 16 games during his rookie campaign before Saturday’s game, Jonathan Gagliardi has been voted as the team’s Rookie of the Year. Gagliardi ranked second among Warriors transition players with 56 loose balls, and his eight caused turnovers were tied for sixth among Warriors players.

“Jonathan may be one of the most underrated players in the National Lacrosse League,” continued Cordingley about the Warriors’ Rookie of the Year. “His compete level is off the charts. He is super tough to play against and he is only going to get better.”

Unsung Hero: Tyrell Hamer-Jackson

The 2022.23 Unsung Hero Award goes to defenceman Tyrell Hamer-Jackson. Playing in 14 games this season prior to the season finale, Hamer-Jackson registered two points (1-1-2), as well as 227 faceoff wins, which is the fifth-highest total in the NLL.

“‘Hammer’ is a passionate player and comes to work every day with a positive attitude and a smile on his face,” stated Cordingley about Hamer-Jackson. “He is unreal in our dressing room and on the bench and gets his job done. He is the definition of an Unsung Hero.”