Picton Pirates defenceman Derek Vos has been selected as the 2018-19 Tod Division Defenceman of the Year.

In his first year of junior hockey, the Deseronto native played 40 games for the Pirates, notching four goals while adding 23 helpers and being a prototypical puck moving defenceman that combines equal parts reliability and creativity to provide Picton a solid blue liner.

The 5’11 190 lb defenceman is a graduate of the Greater Kingston Jr. Frontenacs AAA program and played a pair of callup games for the Pirates last season.

Picton Pirates General Manager Chris Masterson said the organization was thrilled to learn that Vos was the top defender in the Tod division this season.

“He’s a 17 year-old rookie that’s played like a seasoned veteran all season long,” Masterson said. “We are happy to have him as a part of our team this season.”

“It’s such an amazing honour and there are some really great defenceman in this league so be to chosen as someone that deserves this award is incredible,” Vos told the Gazette.

Vos stepped up to play a vital role in Picton’s playoff success so far this season, picking up a pair of goals including an overtime winner in Game Two of the Pirates’ Tod Division five game Semi Final series win over Amherstview.

“This is the best year I’ve had in hockey and it’s an amazing group of players to be a part of here in Picton,” Vos said. “I feel like I’ve really been able to mature as a player in this organization.”

In other awards news, Head Coach Ty Green was a finalist for the Coach of the Year award while forward Landon McLellan had heavy consideration for the Rookie of the Year honours.