Portage Terrier forward Jeremy Leipsic was named Jewish Athlete of the Year in Winnipeg recently.

He picked up the award at the Rady Jewish Community Centre's awards banquet Wednesday night.

"I got nominated a couple of weeks ago and knew the dinner was coming up," says Leipsic. "I found out when they called my name Wednesday and it's an exciting time for my family and me for sure."

Leipsic's incredible season with the Terriers was hard to pass up by the judges, and he felt there was a chance he might be winning it.

"I knew I had a solid season with the Terriers and I'm happy that the team had a great year as well. My brother actually won this award a couple of years ago so it was in the back of my head that this could be a possibility."

Leipsic was presented with a plaque as well as a year membership to the Rady Centre in Winnipeg. He also got to catch up with an old family friend who was the guest speaker.

"My family just had lunch with Teemu Selane the other day," laughs Leipsic. "We've been long time friends with the Selane's ever since he played for the Jets. I found out he was the guest speaker and it was nice to catch up with him there."

He was also the runner up for the CJHL's Top Forward Award.