With a record of number of votes cast (7629), British Columbians named Stanley Cup champion Willie Mitchell (Port McNeill, BC) “BC’s best” in a public vote for the Best of BC Award, presented by the Province of British Columbia.  Reigning Canada Soccer Player of the Year Christine Sinclair, Giro D’Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal, Olympic Silver medalist Ryan Cochrane, 2012 Kentucky Derby winner, Mario Gutierrez, and 2013 Team Canada World Junior captain, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins rounded out the list of finalists.  The finalists of this award, which recognizes a professional or amateur athlete for outstanding athletic achievement, are amazing BC athletes.

 “Willie Mitchell is a homegrown B.C. success story,” said Hon. Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. “He’s a small-town boy who worked long and hard to make it to the NHL, and since then, has done our province proud with his many achievements, including winning the Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings last year. He is an inspiration to all British Columbians, and I congratulate him on this well-deserved award.”

(Release)