Cole Olson and Connor Milligan were the big winners during the CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins' annual awards night March 1.

Olson captured five honours, while Milligan won four awards. Ironically, they wound up sharing one of the big awards for the night: the Bill Shinske Ethics Award. The award was presented by members of Shinske's family, who were in attendance that night for the SJHL Hall of Fame banquet.

“It's exciting,” said Milligan. “It's definitely a big part of my career. I don't win too many awards, so it's definitely very proud moment for me.”

Milligan said winning the Shinske was even more meaningful to have the honour presented by the Shinske family.

“Shinske's was one of the first names I heard when I came in,” said Milligan. “His name is up on our wall in the dressing room.”

Olson, a 20-year-old forward who has played his entire junior career in Estevan, captured the other top award – the team's MVP Award. It's the second straight year he's been an MVP winner; he shared the award with former Bruin Josh Jelinski last year.

Olson was also named the winner of the Mr. Hustle Award, and he captured the inaugural Audrey Shinske Memorial Scholarship – a $1,000 bursary for a player who plans to pursue post-secondary education.

Audrey Shinske was the widow of Bill Shinske, the Bruins' popular GM. Audrey Shinske passed away in mid-January.

Milligan, a 20-year-old defenceman who was the team's captain this past year, won the most popular player award, and was named the most sportsmanlike player.

Oison, Milligan, Tanner Froese and Tyler Paslawski shared the team's Iron Man Award, which goes to the player who plays in the most games. None of those players missed a game this season.

First-year defenceman Zach Douglas won three awards. He shared the team's rookie of the year award with Darcy DeRoose. And he took home the most scholastic player award, and the most improved player recognition.

Another blue-liner, Tyler Kauk, took home one of the most prestigious honours, the team's top defenceman award.

Forward Hudson Morrison won the “Rocky” award as the most aggressive player, forward Taylor Reich won the community involvement award, forward/defenceman Brett Dumaine won the most underrated player award, and goaltender Curtis Martinu won the Bruin training staff's “Heart” Award for demonstrating heart and perseverance.

Billet coordinator Gail Chilman was named the club's top volunteer.

The club also recognized its graduating 20-year-olds: Martinu, Milligan, Olson, Paslawski, Dylan Smith, Calder Neufeld and Alex Cote.