EDMONTON - Continuing the long line of stellar Golden Bears hockey rearguards, Bears captain
Clayton Kirichenko has been awarded the
Mervyn "Red" Dutton Trophy as the 2022 Canada West Top Defenceman.
Kirichenko finished fifth amongst CW defenceman with 18 points in 20 conference games, with six of those points coming on the powerplay. The former Medicine Hat Tiger also added 35 shots in 20 games, finishing with a +9 rating as the Bears primary shutdown defender.
He is the 23rd Bear to win the Mervyn "Red" Dutton Trophy, and the first since Jason Fram won back-to-back awards in 2018 and 2019.
"Clayton is a player whose work ethic and dedication to the program sets a powerful example for every current and future Golden Bear hockey player. First to the rink every day, Clay's attention to detail and his commitment to improve - combined with his natural skills - have made him an impactful player this entire season," said Golden Bears head coach
Ian Herbers, who won this award in 1992.
"The team captain brings a physical style of play that makes him a challenging opponent in the defensive zone. Offensively, he finds ways to push the pace from the back end, boasting a dangerous shot from the blue line."
Through 102 career regular season games, Kirichenko 10 goals and 67 points, helping lead the Bears to a 2018 University Cup title as a Rookie.
He will now go forward as the Canada West nominee for the U SPORTS Defenceman of the Year award.
Golden Bears to win Mervyn "Red" Dutton Trophy
| Year |
Name |
| 2021-22 |
Clayton Kirichenko |
| 2018-19 |
Jason Fram |
| 2017-18 |
Jason Fram |
| 2015-16 |
Jordan Rowley |
| 2014-15 |
Jesse Craige |
| 2013-14 |
Jordan Rowley |
| 2012-13 |
Jesse Craige |
| 2010-11 |
Kyle Fecho |
| 2009-10 |
Kyle Fecho |
| 2008-09 |
Kyle Fecho |
| 2007-08 |
Harlan Anderson |
| 2005-06 |
Chris Ovington |
| 2003-04 |
Blair St. Martin |
| 2001-02 |
Jeff Zorn |
| 2000-01 |
Mike Garrow |
| 1999-00 |
Dion Zukiwsy |
| 1997-98 |
Trevor Sherban |
| 1992-93 |
Serge Lajoie |
| 1991-92 |
Ian Herbers |
| 1987-88 |
Parie Proft |
| 1986-87 |
Parie Proft |
| 1983-84 |
Tim Krug |
| 1978-79 |
Randy Gregg |
BOLD - U SPORTS Winner
2022 Canada West Men's Hockey Awards
Goaltender of the Year
Rylan Toth - UBC Thunderbirds
Player of the Year (Senator Sullivan Trophy Nominee)
Nolan Yaremko - Mount Royal Cougars
Top Defenceman (Mervyn "Red" Dutton Trophy)
Clayton Kirichenko - Alberta Golden Bears
Rookie of the Year (U of A Hockey Alumni Trophy)
Riley Sawchuk - Mount Royal Cougars
Sportsmanship and Ability (UBC Hockey Alumni Trophy)
Nolan Yaremko - Mount Royal Cougars
Coach of the Year
Bert Gilling - Mount Royal Cougars
Student-Athlete Community Service Award (Dr. Randy Gregg Award)
Keaton Jameson - Manitoba Bisons
