Blueliner nets honors

WASILLA — The honors continue to pile up for former Alaska Avalanche defenseman Jake Parenteau.

On Friday, the University of Minnesota recruit who recently capped his two-year stay with the Avalanche, was named to the North American Hockey League’s All-West Division team. Parenteau was also named a nominee for the 2010 Junior Player of the Year Award, USA Hockey’s award for the top American-born player in junior hockey.

Parenteau was named the Avs’ most valuable player late last month.

The Shafer, Minn., native was the only Alaska player named to the league’s All-West Division team. Parenteau led all NAHL defenseman in scoring during the 2009-10 season, bagging 47 points (16 goals, 31 assists). He finished second on his squad in scoring and led NAHL blueliners in goals for the second straight year. About half of Parenteau’s points came on the power play. He collected 10 goals and 13 assists as the Avs skated with the man-advantage.

Parenteau also finished with a team-high +27 rating.

Alexandria forward Nardo Nagtzaam, who was traded by the Avs to the Blizzard midway through the season, was named to the All-Central team.

Parenteau is one of eight nominees for the Junior Player of the Year Award. A pair of players from each of the league’s four divisions are now eligible for the award. The NAHL’s Junior Player of the Year Selection Committee will cut that group down to four and later submit its final nominee to USA Hockey.

USA Hockey includes a final candidate from each of the USA Hockey-sanctioned junior leagues.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.

NAHL All-Division teams

All-Central Division Team

Forward: Jason Fabian, Bismarck Bobcats

Forward: Nardo Nagtzaam, Alexandria Blizzard

Forward: Cory Thorson, Owatonna Express

Defenseman: Derek Docken, Albert Lea Thunder

Defenseman: Sam Rendle, Bismarck Bobcats

Goaltender: Ryan Faragher, Bismarck Bobcats

All-North Division Team

Forward: Tanner Kero, Marquette Rangers

Forward: Andrew Kolb, Marquette Rangers

Forward: Garrett Ladd, Marquette Rangers

Defenseman: Mike Schenfeld, Janesville Jets

Defenseman: Travis White, Traverse City North Stars

Goaltender: Kevin Kissaw, Marquette Rangers

All-South Division Team

Forward: Erik Higby, Topeka RoadRunners

Forward: Jared Rickord, Springfield Jr. Blues

Forward: Brian Sheehan, Wichita Falls Wildcats

Defenseman: Blake Edwards, St. Louis Bandits

Defenseman: Kevin Ryan, Topeka RoadRunners

Goaltender: Dan Sullivan, Texas Tornado

All-West Division Team

Forward: Jeff Jubinville, Wenatchee Wild

Forward: Michael Juola, Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Forward: Johan Skinnars, Kenai River Brown Bears

Defenseman: Adam McKenzie, Wenatchee Wild

Defenseman: Jake Parenteau, Alaska Avalanche

Goaltender: Brandon Jaeger, Wenatchee Wild

Junior Player of the Year

Award nominees

Central Division:

Jason Fabian, Bismarck; Cory Thorson, Owatonna.

North Division:

Garrett Ladd, Marquette; Garrett Thompson, Traverse City.

South Division:

Erik Higby, Topeka; Jared Rickord, Springfield.

West Division:

Jake Parenteau, Alaska; Brandon Jaeger, Wenatchee.