The Nipissing Lakers capped off a breakthrough Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association season with the MVP and coaching staff of the year honours as CUFLA announces its 2018 season awards.
Scott Dominey had a truly outstanding season, leading the league with 44 goals and 71 points, which was 19 more than the second player on the list (his teammate Tanner Poole had 52). Dominey was named the league's most valuable player for his scoring prowess and for leading the Lakers to the Baggataway Cup final weekend for the first time in school history.
Nipissing's excellent season was also acknowledged with the naming of Jason Rudge and his assistants as the coaching staff of the year. Rudge took over the Lakers head coaching job and quickly raised the level of competitiveness of the program.
Cody Ward of the three-peat champion Western Mustangs was named the outstanding attack player. Ward scored 28 goals and 50 points—which was more than any other two Mustangs players combined—but also earned plaudits with his all-around play, contributing on the ride and picking up crucial ground balls.
Nick Chaykowsky was named the outstanding midfielder for his dominating two-way play. The former Nipissing Laker, who entered teachers college at Trent, helped the Excalibur to win the regular season East Division title with 30 points and excellent defensive midfield play.
Latrell Harris of the Brock Badgers makes life exceedingly difficult on opposing offensive players and helps Brock push the ball back up the field, earning him Radovic Defensive Player of the Year honours.
Manraj Nijjar has been the backbone of the Mustangs teams that have won the last three Baggataway Cups. He had his best statistical season yet in 2018, allowing just 5.33 goals per game, and is the CUFLA goalie of the year.
The top graduating player is another Mustang and another pillar of the three-time championship run. Austin Haber consistently neutralizes opponents' top offensive threats. He has been named the defensive midfielder on Inside Lacrosse's All-Baggataway Cup team each of the last three years.
At the other end of the experience spectrum, Mitch Gustavsen is the CUFLA rookie of the year. The Brock faceoff specialist looked like a veteran with his grittiness and poise at the faceoff dot.
The rookie of the year voting points to the high quality of players entering CUFLA as the league's calibre of play and competition continues to rise. The very close voting saw four players finish within two points. Trent defender Curtis Conley was just a point back of Gustavsen while McMaster Marauders leading scorer Mitchell Pellarin and Western's William Carnduff were another point back.
Award Winners
League MVP: Scott Dominey – Nipissing
Outstanding Attack: Cody Ward – Western
Outstanding Midfielder: Nick Chaykowsky – Trent
Radovic Defensive Player: Latrell Harris – Brock
Most Valuable Goalkeeper: Manraj Nijjar – Western
Graduating Player: Austin Haber – Western
Rookie Player: Mitch Gustavsen – Brock
Coaching Staff: Nipissing Lakers
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