DALLAS – Jacob Bernard-Docker of the Okotoks Oilers (AJHL) has been named the inaugural recipient of the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s John Grisdale Top Prospect Award after becoming the initial CJHL player taken in the 2018 NHL Draft in Dallas when he was selected in the first round, 26th overall, by the Ottawa Senators.
The John Grisdale Top Prospects Award will be presented annually to the highest selected CJHL player chosen in each year’s NHL Draft and is in named after former BCHL commissioner who recently stepped down after 15 seasons at the helm of that league and who is also the CJHL’s newest Life Member.
For Bernard-Docker, the soon-to-be 18-year-old Canmore, Alta., product, was the CJHL’s highest rated prospect in NHL Central Scouting’s final draft rankings being tabbed 33rd overall among North American skaters.
He was earlier named the CJHL’s Top Defenceman for the 2017-18 campaign and was also chosen as the 2017-18 winner of the AJHL’s W.G. (Bill) Scott Memorial Trophy, which goes annually to that league’s Outstanding Defenceman which is awarded to the player who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability in that position.
In 49 contests this past season, he tallied 20 times and went on to add 21 assists for 41 points and finished tied for sixth in offensive production among all AJHL blueliners.
His seven power play goals led all rearguards in his league as did his four shorthanded markers.
Among his other accomplishments during the campaign saw him win a gold medal as a member of Team Canada West at the 2017 World Junior A Challenge in December in Truro, N.S.
He was selected to participate in the CJHL Prospects Game in January, was named an AJHL Star of the Game seven times for the Oilers and was a finalist for his league’s 2017-18 Most Dedicated Player Award.
Bernard-Docker earlier committed to attend the University of North Dakota on NCAA Division One scholarship.