This past week True North Sports + Entertainment announced the three recipients of the Winnipeg Jets year-end individual awards following the conclusion of the 2019-20 regular season and playoffs.
The three award winners are listed below, alongside a team-issued writeup for each recipient:
The Three Stars Award was presented to Connor Hellebuyck as the Jets player to receive the most 'Three Stars' honours in 2019-20. The 27-year-old goaltender has been recognized game-after-game for his outstanding play and he was recently named as one of the NHL's three finalists for the Vezina Trophy (awarded to the goaltender adjudged to be the best at his position). Hellebuyck ranked at or near the top of the league in wins (31), goals-against average (2.57), save percentage (.922), and shutouts (6). The Commerce, Michigan native was recognized as the first star on 12 occasions, while he was second and third star four times each. Hellebuyck matched his own single-season franchise record for shutouts (6) and his .922 save percentage was the second-best single-season number in franchise history behind the .924 mark he posted in 2017-18 when he was the runner-up for the Vezina Trophy.
The Dan Snyder Memorial Award is awarded each year to the Winnipeg Jets player who embodies perseverance, dedication and hard work without reward or recognition, so that his team and teammates might succeed. Defenceman Anthony Bitetto was presented with the Dan Snyder Memorial Award for the 2019-20 season. The first-year Jet was a constant source of positivity both on and off the ice, while never hesitating to block a shot or stand up for a teammate. Bitetto has missed stretches of time through injuries and healthy scratches over his six years in the NHL, but he has always been a positive presence in the dressing room. The 30-year-old has also become a mentor to the young players on the Jets roster. Bitetto set single-season career-highs in games played (51), points (8), assists (8), and penalty minutes (32) for the Jets this season.
The Community Service Award was presented to forward Bryan Little for his commitment to the community. Throughout his 13 years in the NHL, Little has sought to make an impact on the ice and also in the city of Winnipeg. The Edmonton, Alberta native supports the local military through a donation of four season tickets and his Little's Big Heroes program which recognizes local military members in-game at homes games throughout the season. Little has been a strong supporter of the True North Youth Foundation and particularly the Project 11 program which helps support students and teachers in bringing mental health awareness and positive coping skills into their lives. He has volunteered time to create curriculum videos and to visit local classrooms to speak about Project 11. This year, Little also volunteered to be a spokesperson for the Tri-Hospital Lottery to raise funds for three local hospitals.
Above information provided by the Winnipeg Jets*
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