Photo Credit – Chad Goddard:
CALGARY, AB – The Canadian Junior Hockey League announced Monday that Jacob Bernard-Docker of the Okotoks Oilers (AJHL) has been named the recipient of its Top Defenceman Award for the 2017-18 season.
Bernard-Docker earned the honour through voting completed by each of the 10-member Jr. ‘A’ leagues that comprise the CJHL.
He garnered the accolades over fellow CJHL Top Defenceman finalists Cooper Zech, Wenatchee Wild (BCHL); Tim Theocharidis, Carleton Place Canadians (CCHL); Matthew Kellenberger, Oakville Blades (OJHL) and Josh McDougall, Nipawin Hawks (SJHL).
Bernard-Docker, a 17-year-old Canmore, Alta., product, was earlier chosen the 2017-18 winner of the AJHL’s W.G. (Bill) Scott Memorial Trophy, which goes annually to that league’s Outstanding Defenceman and is awarded to the player who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability in that position.
In 49 contests this season, he tallied 20 times and went on to add 21 assists for 41 points and finished tied for sixth in offensive production among all AJHL blueliners.
His seven power play goals led all rearguards in his league as did his four shorthanded markers.
Bernard-Docker was also the CJHL’s highest-rated draft prospect in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings, being tabbed 33rd overall, (12th D-men) among North American Skaters heading into this June’s draft in Dallas.
Among his other accomplishments during the campaign saw him win a gold medal as a member of Team Canada West at the 2017 World Junior A Challenge in December in Truro, N.S.
He was selected to participate in the CJHL Prospects Game in January, was named an AJHL Star of the Game seven times for the Oilers and was a finalist for his league’s 2017-18 Most Dedicated Player Award.
Bernard-Docker earlier committed to attend the University of North Dakota on NCAA Division 1 scholarship.