A pair of Golden Bears were honoured on Wednesday, as Canada West announced the 2023 Men's Hockey major award winners. 

Bears captain, and third-year forward Matt Fonteyne was awarded the UBC Hockey Alumni Trophy for Sportsmanship and Ability, while first-year forward Jakin Smallwood was named the conference's Rookie of the Year. 

Fonteyne was a leader on and off the ice for the Bears this season, helping guide the young roster to the No. 2 seed and a 20-5-3 record. The Wetaskawin, Alberta product finished the season third on the Bears with 32 points in 28 games, committing just two minor penalties. 

Fonteyne is the 11th Bear to win the UBC Hockey Alumni Trophy, and first since Sean Ringrose in 2014. 

"Matt is the leader of our team on and off the ice. He consistently leads by example whether it is academics, workouts, practices or games," said Bears head coach Ian Herbers. "Matt has played with multiple wingers throughout the season and has been able to elevate their games while maintaining his dominant play. He is a key player for us in all situations and is heavily relied upon. Matt is a perfect example of a Golden Bears student-athlete."

Smallwood finished second on the Bears in scoring as a freshman, finishing with 16 goals and 35 points in 26 games. His 16 goals led all first-year players in Canada West, with his 35 points ranking second. The former Winnipeg ICE forward also added 63 shots and nine pwerplay points, leading Alberta with a 25.4 shooting percentage. 

Smallwood is the 11th Bear to be named the CW Rookie of the Year, and foruth in the last six seasons, joining Tyson Baillie (2017), Steven  Owre (2018), and Grayson Pawlenchuk (2019). 

"Jakin has had an outstanding rookie season. He always comes to the rink with a great attitude and work ethic. With his speed, skills, hockey sense and versatility, he has been able to excel in all situations," continued Herbers. "Jakin is a great addition to the program and we are looking forward to seeing how far he develops while helping the team achieve our future goals."

Both Fonteyne and Smallwood will go forward as nominees for the U SPORTS awards. 

2023 MEN'S HOCKEY AWARD WINNERS
 
Goaltender of the Year
Carl Tetachuk (Calgary)
 
Player of the Year (Sullivan Trophy Nominee)
Riley Sawchuk (MRU)
 
Top Defenceman (Mervyn "Red" Dutton Trophy)
Connor Hobbs (Saskatchewan)
 
Rookie of the Year (U of A Hockey Alumni Trophy)
Jakin Smallwood (Alberta)
 
Sportsmanship and Ability (UBC Hockey Alumni Trophy)
Matt Fonteyne (Alberta)
 
Student-Athlete Community Service Award (Randy Gregg Award nominee)
Connor Blake (MRU)
 
Coach of the Year
Mark Howell (Calgary)