Paul De Jersey surprised everyone when he led the British Columbia Hockey League in scoring last season with the Prince George Spruce Kings, an accomplishment that put him on the national radar.
The 19 year old is one of 10 finalists for the RBC Canadian Junior Hockey League player of the year award, which will be announced at the annual awards banquet May 11 in Humboldt, Sask., at the RBC Cup. De Jersey is the only BCHL player to make the final cut.
After three BCHL seasons under the radar with the Burnaby Express, Coquitlam Express and Salmon Arm Silverbacks, De Jersey turned heads in 2011-2012 with the Kings, leading the league with 98 points. With the Silverbacks in 2010-2011, the North Vancouver product had 15 points in 33 games.
De Jersey has committed to play for the NCAA Division 1 Providence College next season.
In addition to his stellar on-ice performance, De Jersey spent time with Prince George's St. Vincent DePaul Society, which prepares and serves meals to the less fortunate.
Players from the other Canadian hockey leagues up for the award are: Jayson Argue, Swan Valley Stampeders (Manitoba), Vincent Blanchette, College Francais de Longueuil (Quebec), Tim Campbell, Woodstock Slammers (Maritime), Jordan Carroll, Sudbury Cubs (Northern Ontario), Craig Cowie, Nepean Raiders (Central Canada), Christian Finch, Stouffville Spirit (Ontario), Byron Katapaytuk, Fort Frances Lakers (Superior International), Peter Quenneville, Sherwood Park Crusaders (Alberta) and Blake Tatchell, Battlefords North Stars (Saskatchewan).
The last BCHL player to win the award was current Ottawa Senators' forward Kyle Turris in 2007. Other BCHL winners include: Jeff Tambellini (2002), Dany Heatley (1999), Mike Comrie (1998), Paul Kariya (1992) and Greg Johnson (1989).
