A Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) Trojans blueliner has been named the Zone 4 High School Hockey League's top defenceman for the 2016-17 season.

Lucas Neufeld is the winner of the Lew Mueller Top Defenceman Award, the league announced on its website. It's the first time a PCI player has earned the nod as top defender.

"It's a real honour for sure," says Neufeld. "I won out of a lot of good defensemen in the league. It feels good to represent the team."

A Grade 12 student, Neufeld had 13 points (2-11--13) in 24 games with PCI this season. He was also voted MVP at the 2016-17 Zone 4 All-Star Game.

"I play a good two-way game, creating offence for the team," says Neufeld. "I think I'm effective at it because I create a lot of open ice because I'm a big body, and I open up a lot of different lanes for my teammates."

The PCI Trojans host the High School Provincial Hockey Championships at Stride Place. Neufeld says they've had a few practices and plan to have a few more before the competition, and he's looking forward to getting back on the ice.