Photo Credit: Ivan Tam
Photo Credit: Ivan Tam
Getting the nod is offensive guard Hubert Buydens, offensive tackle Patrick Neufeld, linebacker Taylor Wallace and cornerback Grant Shaw. The four were just pieces to the puzzle that helped the Huskies to a Canada West first place 7-1 record.
Buydens and Neufeld helped the Huskies to the third best offense (3,171 total yards, 396.4 yards) in the conference. The Huskies had 1,134 yards on the ground in the season. The 2009 selection is the fourth for Buydens in his five-years with the team. He was also named a CIS All-Canadian in both 2006 and 2008. It is the first all-star nod for Neufeld. Neufeld was selected as one of three Huskies to play in the 2009 East-West Bowl in May.
“Hubert was once again the anchor of the Huskie offensive line,” said Huskie offensive line coach Bart Arnold. “His athleticism, work ethic and positive attitude have been major factors in our success on the line. Patrick has established himself as an elite level tackle in our league. His offseason work has elevated his play significantly. His work ethic and willingness to learn will lead to opportunities at the next level.”
Defensive captain Wallace finished 2009 with 38 tackles (26 solo, 31 assisted), 1.5 sacks, one breakup and two fumble recoveries. Wallace finished 16th in the conference in tackles in eight games played. Fourth year cornerback/kicker Shaw played in all eight regular season games this season tallying 18 tackles, one interception, one break up and one forced fumble. It is the first time both have been named all-stars.
“Taylor is an unselfish hard working Huskie and Grant has tremendous athletic talent,” said Huskie defensive coordinator Ed Carleton. “Taylor is a talented player that possesses great speed and strength – attributes he has improved on each year as a member of our team. There is not a position on the football field that Grant could not master if he were asked. Not only has he excelled in the defensive secondary, this year, but he unselfishly accepted the kicking duties, as well. No one player sees more time on the field, making him a valuable asset to the 2009 team.”
On defence this season, the Huskies held their eight opponents to a combined 112 points – 55 less than the next best team. They also had the best pass defence efficiency, were tied for first with 21 sacks and stopped teams 73.7 per cent of the time in the red zone.
All four now have the opportunity to be named CIS All-Canadians at their positions.
Canada West will announce major award winners at 2 p.m. Thursday.
The Huskies will meet the University of Calgary Dinos Saturday in the Canada West final for the 73rd Hardy Cup Saturday at Griffiths Stadium. Kick off is 1 p.m. For tickets, call 306-966-1111.
Full list of Canada West All-Stars
2010
March
February
January
2009
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
