Jason Fram has been recognized for his outstanding season with the University of Alberta Golden Bears.
The 22-year-old from Ladner is the recipient of the Mervyn “Red” Dutton Trophy as the Canada West Conference’s top defenceman for the 2017-18 campaign.
The second-year Arts student finished third in conference scoring among blueliners with 23 points in 28 games (9 goals and 14 assists). His plus-25 rating was the best in Canada West, as he played a pivotal role in Alberta’s first-place finish during the regular season. He was also one of four Golden Bears named to the Canada West First All-Star Team.
“I really like how Jason's game has evolved over the course of this season. He has become a very well-rounded defenceman who plays in every key situation for us,” said Alberta coach Serge Lajoie. “He has excellent poise with the puck and his decisions on transition are high level. It is great for Jason to be recognized for the excellent season he is having.”
The Golden Bears captured their second straight Canada West Conference championship by sweeping a pair of games from the Saskatchewan Huskies on the weekend, including a 5-1 win on Saturday night in Edmonton.
Fram led the way for Alberta with a pair of goals — both coming in the opening 20 minutes. He also added an assist to earn first star honours.
“Any given night it's anyone on our team (that steps up), that's what so special with this group of guys," said Fram in helping the Golden Bears win their 27th Canada West banner in the program’s history. "It's unbelievable. We have that depth that any line on any night can get the job done.”
Alberta and Saskatchewan will now head to Fredericton for the 2018 U SPORTS University Cup, March 15-18.
Back in December, Fram helped the U Sports All-Stars sweep a pair of games from Canada’s U20 team that went on to win gold at the World Junior Hockey Championships. His goal with just six seconds remaining lifted the all-stars to a 4-3 victory in the series finale.
Previously, Fram enjoyed an impressive five-year career in the Western Hockey League with the Spokane Chiefs.
He capped the run by being named to the WHL Second All-Star Team back in 2016 when he finished with a career-best 12 goals. A year earlier, he managed 62 points in 70 games. He also served two seasons as team captain.
After coming through the South Delta Minor rep program, Fram spent one season in the B.C. Major Midget Hockey League with the Greater Vancouver Canadians. That year, he was also a 15-year-old call-up for the Richmond Sockeyes during their run to the Cyclone Taylor Cup provincial junior B Championships.
