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View Full Version : Fehr chosen sportsman of the year



Triton
01-02-2006, 01:09 PM
Brandon, Manitoba -- To no one's real surprise, former Brandon Wheat Kings' scoring sensation Eric Fehr has been chosen winner of the 2005 H.L. (Krug) Crawford Memorial Medal, which is awarded to western Manitoba's Sportsman of the Year.

The medal is awarded annually by the Brandon Sun to a western Manitoban who has excelled in his or her sporting endeavour as an athlete, organizer or coach, either during the year or during a lifetime of achievement.

The 20-year old Winkler product, who is currently playing for the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears, becomes the ninth ex-Wheat King to receive this honor since the newspaper began awarding the medal in 1958. A former first round draft choice of the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals, Fehr joins the likes of Nashville Predator Jordin Tootoo (2003), Cory Cyrenne (1998), Marty Murray (1993), Trevor Kidd (1990), former Los Angeles King Ray Ferraro (1984), Capitals' current head coach Glen Hanlon (1978), Ron Chipperfield (1973) and Juha Widing (1966) as former players that have been recognized with this prestigious award. As well, Wheat King executive members Kelly McCrimmon (1995), Dunc McCallum (1979), Jack Brockest (1974) and Jake Milford (1960) have also been honoured.

During the 2004-05 campaign, Fehr led the Western Hockey League in scoring with 59 goals and 111 points and was chosen Player of the Year. As well, he was named to the WHL's First All Star Team, led the Wheat Kings to their first Championship Final in seven years, signed his first NHL contract and played in his first ever NHL game.

In 35 games with the Bears this season, the 6'4" 200 lb Fehr is averaging close to a point per game, having scored fifteen goals and 34 points.

"It feels unbelievable to be mentioned with some of the high class players that have played in Brandon in the past," Fehr recently told James Shewaga of the Brandon Sun. "It's a highly respected organization and I feel really honoured to have been in that organization and be considered for that award."

Fehr was one of fourteen nominees for this year's Memorial Award. Among the others were Wheat Kings' goalkeeper Tyler Plante, defenceman Brett Skinner of the AHL's Manitoba Moose, gymnast Jenna Kerbis and Souris volleyball star Becky Young.

While the Wheat Kings were recognized for having western Manitoba's Sportsman of the Year, the WHL club was not chosen for having the area's Team of the Year, despite winning the WHL's Eastern Conference title for the first time since 1998. Team honours went to the Crocus Plainsmen high school hockey team that captured its first ever provincial title.