The Kootenay ICE conclude the 2015-16 Western Hockey League season this afternoon (March 20) with a final tilt against rival Calgary Hitmen at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Four unanswered goals helped the Hitmen defeat the ICE 5-2 Friday at Western Financial Place, for the final home game of the season.

This will be the first time since the Edmonton ICE moved to Cranbrook, in 1998, that the franchise has not secured a berth in the WHL playoffs.

It has been an amazing run for the ICE up until this season, the only losing season in 18 years. In that incredible 17 year run, the ICE captured three WHL championships (1999/2000; 2001/02; 2010/11) and captured a Memorial Cup title in ‘01/02.

With a final match to play this afternoon, the ICE end the current season with 17 (or 18) wins, 53 (or 54) losses and six overtime losses, good for 30 points. The record is the worst in Central Division, Eastern Conference and league.

The club presented its 18th annual team awards prior to the game against the Calgary Hitmen last night. Eight different players were recognized for their achievements.

Rod Hunter Ltd. Players Award – Wyatt Hoflin

Apollo Ristorante Most Valuable Player – Zak Zborosky

Dixon’s Service Centre Top Defenseman – Tanner Lishchynsky

Alpine Toyota Rookie of the Year – Noah Philp

Skyway Distributors Most Improved Player – Austin Wellsby

BDO Canada LLP Most Underrated Player – Matt Alfaro

EKC Community Relations Award – Jared Legien

Rocky Mountain Diesel Scholastic Player of the Year – Cale Fleury

Fan Club Player of the Year – Cale Fleury

Haddad Financial Services 3 Stars – Wyatt Hoflin, Zak Zborosky, Matt Alfaro

Steeples Construction March Player of the Month – Wyatt Hoflin

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