MARCH 3, 2023 – Brooks Bandits forward Aiden Fink has been named the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Most Valuable Player and Top Forward.
The NHL Top Prospect currently leads the AJHL in points (97) and goals (41) after 54 regular season games, averaging 1.80 points per game. He’s the fifth Bandit to win the MVP Award, joining Jaret Granberg (2008-09), Cam Maclise (2012-13), Cale Makar (2016-17), and Ryan McAllister (2021-22).
Aiden Fink (Calgary, AB) was ranked #66 among North American Skaters in the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Rankings for the upcoming 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The 2004-born Bandit was also selected to represent the AJHL as a member of Team Canada West at the 2022 World Junior A Challenge in December. His season has been filled with accolades including two Alberta Ford Dealers Player of the Month awards, two Pizza 73 AJHL Player of the Week selections, the Brook Bandits Top Forward award, and he was named the Viterra AJHL Star of the Game seven times.
“We are fortunate to have been a part of Aiden’s development over the past two seasons, his growth on and off the ice has been significant,” said Bandits GM / Head Coach Ryan Papaioannou.
“He was in a great position last year to learn from some highly skilled veteran players and was able to play a key role for us in the late stages of the season. This year Aiden picked up where others left off and has been dominant from the first exhibition game, right through the regular season. He’s handled the internal pressures of leading our team from a scoring perspective along with all of the outside pressures of the NHL Draft with maturity and focus. We are proud of his accomplishments and are all looking forward to his playoff season.”
Fink has served as an alternate captain for the Bandits this season and is committed to the University of Wisconsin (NCAA). He’s appeared in 114 regular season games with Brooks, scoring 150 points over two seasons. He won an AJHL Championship and Centennial Cup in 2022.
The AJHL Top Forward was created in the 2021-22 season and recognizes the player who demonstrates the greatest all-round ability in the position throughout the season. Fink is the second Bandit to win the award, joining TJ Hughes (2021-22).
The Bandits have clinched home ice advantage throughout the playoffs as the 2022-23 Regular Season champions and conclude the season on March 5th when they visit the Olds Grizzlys.