Jackson Berezowski named U.S. Division Player of the Year
EVERETT, Wash. — Everett Silvertips forward Jackson Berezowski has been named U.S. Division Player of the Year, and as such is a finalist for the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy presented to the Western Hockey League’s Player of the Year Award this summer.
“This is a special honor for him and very well-deserved,” commented Silvertips general manager/head coach Dennis Williams. “An award like this is determined by coaching peers and general managers around the league, which I think is the ultimate compliment to any player. He’s been great all season for us.”
Berezowski, an ’02-born Yorkton, SK native, broke both personal and franchise records over the course of his final junior season. After a summer spent rehabbing from a shoulder surgery that prematurely ended his 2021-22 season, the 5’10”, 191-pound winger broke the Silvertips’ single-season record for goals in a season (48; most in the Western Conference) while finishing with a career-high 81 points in 62 games (2nd-most in U.S. Division). Of his 48 tallies, 22 came on the powerplay- tied for the most in the WHL.
History made, tributes paid
Some of Everett’s best dropped Bere a line to commemorate the new all-time goals kingpic.twitter.com/uKYLoxBoW1
— x – Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) March 22, 2023
He also shattered the franchise record for career goals, surpassing Patrick Bajkov’s previous mark set of 112 and finishing with 130 in 273 career games. His scoring prowess this season, coupled with a 46-goal campaign in ’21-22, distinguished him as the only Everett Silvertip to record multiple 40-goal seasons in franchise history.
He became just the fifth Silvertip to net four goals in a single game on Jan. 11, 2023 at Spokane. By recording three hat tricks in the 2022-23 regular season, Berezowski is just the third Silvertip to accomplish that feat, joining former NHLer Peter Mueller and John Lammers, both in the 2005-06 season. His assist on Mar. 19 at Spokane secured him as just the fourth Silvertip to record 100 goals and 100 assists in his career.
“With the events of our season we had, he’s been the constant for us,” Williams added. “He’s been there every night battling and competing. He leads our group offensively, leads our powerplay and is a great leader in the locker room. We’re very grateful for his five years here and we know he has a bright future playing pro hockey.”
Where to start a thread of Bere moments from this season?
How about this sweet feed from his fellow All-Star?
(sry Palms 😅)pic.twitter.com/kowERRfWQf
— x – Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) March 28, 2023
Berezowski finishes his WHL career third in Everett history in scoring with 232 points, behind former NHLer Zach Hamill (262) and Bajkov (288). He also is tied for 11th in games played, and is just the third player to serve as team captain for multiple seasons joining NHLer Ryan Murray (2011-13) and Zack Dailey (2008-10).
The Four Broncos Memorial Trophy for WHL Player of the Year has only been won by one Silvertip in franchise history, with NHL goaltender Carter Hart earning the honor in 2017-18. Berezowski becomes the first forward in franchise history to be named a finalist for the award.
Other league accolades for Berezowski include two First-Team All-Star selections (’21-22 & ’22-23; the first Silvertips skater to earn two First-Team selections) and U.S. Division Most Sportsmanlike Player in 2021-22.
Berezowski joins fellow finalists Kai Uchacz (Red Deer; Central Division), Connor Bedard (Regina; East Division), and Logan Stankoven (Kamloops; B.C. Division).
