Kaptain Kolich Kleans Up At Esky Hockey Awards

ESCANABA---The Escanaba High School hockey team held its post-season awards ceremony Wednesday night at the House of Ludington. The big winner was Eskymo captain Nick Kolich, who cleaned up several top awards and pocketed some college scholarship money as well.

Kolich, the 5-foot-6 forward who led the Eskymos in scoring with 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points, won the coveted Ovid Provo Award from the Escanaba Junior Hockey Association. He was also named the EHS hockey team's Most Valuable Player, as well as the team's Offensive Player of the Year.

Kolich was also awarded scholarship money from the family of Devin Fisher, a former teammate who died last year. Kolich plans to use at Bay College.

"It feels amazing," Kolich said. "I can't even describe it into words right now. To get $800 in scholarships feels surreal. Especially to receive the Ovid Provo Award means the most to me. It's just a legacy. The award has been around for 41 years and looking at that trophy, there are some really, really special players on there."

Kolich said that his father, Nick, Sr., who coached him through junior hockey, was the driving force behind his success on the ice and off, this season.

"To get that one for my dad meant a lot to him,"Kolich said. "He really wanted me to get that one. It's a blessing. I put countless hours in the weight room and at the rink for this sport, and it's incredible to get awarded for it. Hard work pays off!"

Senior Spencer Bourdeau was named the team's Hobey Baker Character Award winner. This award is given to one player for every high school team in the country. Bourdeau played through multiple injuries this season and was the team's third leading scorer.

"It felt great when he (Coach Matt Hughes) called my name," Bourdeau said. "The award definitely means a lot to me and I'm glad I got picked for it."

The award was established to honor high school hockey players who "exemplify the Hobey Baker ideal that "Character Builds Excellence."

Candidates for a High School Hobey Baker Award are selected by their coaches, based on the following criteria: integrity and positive attitude, coachability, outstanding sportsmanship, and community spirit.


Bourdeau's little brother, Gunner, was picked Defensive Playyer of the Year.

Junior Karson Krutina got the MikeyD Character Award. Sophomore Sawyer LaMarch was given the Little I Award, which is given to a player who displays dedication to the team moreso than to individual goals. He also shared the Academic Award with teammate Braden Sundquist.

Junior Jayger LaMarch received the "Player of Tomorrow" award.

Escanaba started its season with a 1-9 record before winning eight straight games, including a 5-1 regional semifinal win over Kingsford. The Eskymos lost to Marquette in the regional final.