The Kings, their billets, fans and volunteers got together last night for one last recognition of the year that was. Here are the results from the annual awards banquet.
True Grit Award: Jordan Paddock
Unsung Hero: Drew Dorantes
Academic Player of the Year: Jordan Burns
Plus-Minus Award: Jarryd Leung/James Neil (+9)
Sportsmanship Award: Stephen Hiff
Most Improved: Matt Dupont
Armitage Men’s Wear Three Stars Award: Evan Richardson
Community Award: JP Villeneuve
Leading Scorer: JP Villeneuve/Evan Richardson
Most Popular Player: JP Villeneuve
Coaches Award: Teagan Waugh
Most Inspirational Player: Jordan Paddock
Top Defenceman: Jordan Paddock
Top Rookie: Jordan Burns
Most Valuable Player: JP Villeneuve
There were also two awards handled out to Kings volunteers. The True Beauty Award is one from the players to a volunteer on the team who helps the players out, devotes time and their talents to the team. This year, bus driver/statistician Norm Phillip won the award for the countless hours he spends driving the bus, safely from rink to rink across BC.
Finally, the Volunteer of the Year Award was renamed to recognise Don Smisko who passed away mid-season. The long-time Kings volunteer who organised many of the scorers for Kings home games will have the trophy named after him. The Don Smisko Volunteer of the Year went to Rocco, who was not only at every Kings home game, but spent almost every weekend during the summer out at events in the community, and puts in many many many hours ensuring the Kings have a strong, year round presence in the community.
The team also recognised long-time fan Hugo Steiner who passed away this past week. His presence and personality will be missed in the community and at the rink.
The players have begun their trips home, and with 17 players eligible to return for the 2013/2014 season, it is set to be an exciting year.
