BC Hockey announced April 20, 2016 that Cariboo Cougars head coach Trevor Sprague has been named the 2015-2016 Major Midget League (MML) Coach of the Year.

Sprague currently serves as the coach and general manager of the Cougars, and also works with the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Prince George Cougars as a regional scout.

Sprague led the Cougars to a 29-8-3 record during the regular season, finishing in second place with 61 points. The team lost in the MML Championship series to the Valley West Hawks, but his young team exceeded expectations after losing two (2) of their best players in December.

Sprague also brings the Cougars success off the ice, building the team’s alumni program and acquiring numerous sponsorships, giving the team a high profile within the community. The Cougars have also been very community-oriented, and held two (2) fundraising initiatives this season, raising nearly $10,000 for breast cancer and mental health awareness.

This is the seventh year the MML Coach of the Year Award has been presented. Sprague previously won the award during the 2009-2010 season. Other winners include Jamie Jackson (Vancouver North East Chiefs, 2014-2015), Tom Spencer (2013-2014, Valley West Hawks), Clint Thornton (2012-2013, Vancouver North West Giants), Todd Harkins (2011-2012, Vancouver North West Giants), Ryan Weber and Rob Rogers (2010-2011, Valley West Hawks).

The MML was established in 2004 to provide elite level 15, 16 and 17 year olds an opportunity to play within their own age group at a high level and be developed for the next level of hockey. These teams have an opportunity each year to compete for the TELUS Cup, Canada’s National Midget Championship, which will take place in Prince George, BC in April 2017.

For more information about the MML, please visit the league’s website at www.bcmml.net, follow along on social media at twitter.com/bchockey_mml, or email us at midgethockey@bchockey.net.