LONDON, UK – It is that time of year again when we reveal the Pro Hockey News NIHL South All-Star Awards for 2014/15.
These awards are unique to British hockey as they are chosen by those within the game, with all coaching staff and a selection of players from each team casting their vote. This is the fifth year of the awards and you can see last year’s winners by clicking HERE
Those voting are not able to nominate any players from within their own club and no Pro Hockey News staff are eligible to cast a vote.
In the All-Star team, line 1 received the most votes with line 2 following.
So without further ado, congratulations to the following:
NIHL South Player of the Season
NIHL South Player of the Year Callum Best
Callum Best
The Streatham centre has been a standout in previous seasons at this level but this year he finished as league top scorer and helped the Redskins to their highest league finish in six years. The 23 year old former GB international joined Streatham from Invicta Dynamos in 2013 and has cemented himself as a real fans favourite in South London. A former junior with Guildford, Best originally made his senior debut for the Guildford Flames in 2008. Callum was the unanimous choice of his peers to win this award and takes over the mantle from last season’s winner Callum Fowler.
NIHL South Coach of the Year
Paul Gore
The Milton Keynes Thunder Player Coach led his team to a sixth place finish in the league and turned around a club that finished bottom of the standings in 2013/14.
Gore has been a loyal servant to the Thunder over the years and developed his coaching skills with the South West Conference junior programme before stepping up to senior coaching this season. The 32 year old was a popular choice for this award and special mention must also go to Thunder bench coach Steve Whyte who assisted Gore along the way.
NIHL South All-Star Team 2014/15
Line 1:
Netminder:
Photo by Lucy McGill
Damien King – MK Thunder
The 23 year old had previously spent all of his senior career in the EPL with his hometown club Peterborough Phantoms, however last summer he dropped down a level and signed up with Milton Keynes. At the time , many in the league were unaware of what a good signing the Thunder had made but by the end of the season no one was in any doubt. A 92% save average did not put him top of the standings but given he faced more than double the shots of any those above him (1338 in 36 games), his value to his team was to quote Mastercard.. priceless.
Defence:
Photo by David Trevallion
Lukas Zatopek – Chelmsford Chieftains
The big Czech came down to the league with a big reputation and was exactly what the Chieftains needed to help them win the league title. Seldom flashy and not one to rack up the goals, Zatopek recovered from an early season injury to become a rock on the blue line for Chelmsford. The 37 year old was a big reason the team conceded almost half the amount of goals of runners-up Invicta Dynamos.
Dom Hopkins – Streatham Redskins
Another all-star selection for Hopkins makes him one of the most celebrated blue liners at this level in recent seasons. The 34 year old former GB junior international may be reaching veteran status but that didn’t stop him ending the season as top scoring defenseman in the league with 11 goals and 22 assists to his name. At 6’ 5” Hopkins is a big presence on the Streatham blue line and his shot from the point often delivers the goods for his team.
Forwards:
Photo by David Trevallion
Callum Fowler – Invicta Dynamos
Last year’s league player of the season was once again one of the most dangerous forwards in NIHL South.Completing his fifth season with the Dynamos it is difficult to believe Fowler is still only 23 years old and his talent is such, he should probably be playing at a higher level.
29 goals and 60 assists put him second in the top scorer charts however his influence was undoubtedly a big reason Invicta lifted the NIHL Cup.
Juraj Huska – Invicta Dynamos
When Invicta announced marquee signing Greg Chambers last summer, many people wondered how Invicta’s resident Slovak would react. The 33 year old stepped up to the challenge and was prolific in front of net almost from the first face-off of the season. A cannon of a shot and a skating agility that makes him difficult to defend against, Huska was Invicta’s top goalscorer with an impressive 45 goals in 34 games.
Photo by Rick Webb
Callum Best – Streatham Redskins
League top scorer with 36 goals and 54 assists, Best’s increasing commitment reaped rewards as he was an ever present in Streatham’s league campaign. The Guildford born 5’ 10” centre not only scored goals but played a pivotal role on the special teams as Streatham Coach Warren Rost put his full faith in him to deliver. Best slotted in well alongside the likes of Steven Fisher, Sean Scarbrough and Adam Wood over the campaign.
Line 2:
Netminder
Euan King – Chelmsford Chieftains
The experienced older brother of Damien had another solid season in between the pipes for the league champions.
Defence:
Vaclav Drabek – London Raiders
The Czech was an almost ever present for the Raiders, slotting in wherever needed and providing much needed offense from the back.
Julian Smith – Chelmsford Chieftains
The Chieftains Captain was a rock as usual at the back for his team. Smith’s size, strength and awareness make him a tough obstacle for any forward.
Forwards:
Jamie Line – Milton Keynes Thunder
The speedy winger was a revelation for the Thunder, captaining his side to a sixth place finish and scoring 28 goals in 36 games.
Matt Turner – Chelmsford Chieftains
A classy forward whose seemingly natural ability makes him one of the best forwards in the league. Turner notched 19 goals and 30 assists in the league.
Jaroslav Cesky – Wightlink Raiders
The experienced Czech came with a big reputation and but for suspension, could have made an even bigger impact than he did with 31 goals and 38 assists.
Thank you to all who voted and thanks to everyone who has read this column over the season.
Contact the author: david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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