DURHAM, UK – Every side in NIHL North Division 1 participated once again in this year’s awards with the majority of clubs using their maximum number of votes. Members of the media who regularly follow NIHL North hockey were also eligible to vote in the PHN NIHL North Division 1 Awards.
Seven Players received votes in the Player of the Season category with Luke and Adam Brittle from the Blackburn Hawks and Richard Bentham of Solway all being shortlisted for their superb seasons in front of goal for their respective clubs. All 3 players enjoyed memorable seasons however it was the Hawks Adam Brittle who was selcted as the Player of the Season for a superb all round campaign for Blackburn which saw him pick up more than 60 points in league games alone.
Shortlist
Adam Brittle (Blackburn Hawks)
Daniel Brittle (Blackburn Hawks)
Richard Bentham (Solway Sharks)
Winner – Adam Brittle
Every Coach in the division picked up some votes in this category which demonstrates what a high standard of coaching there is currently in NIHL North. Jared Owen (Blackburn Hawks), Martin White (Sheffield Spartans) and Matt Darlow (Sutton Sting) were all shortlisted. Both White and Darlow had highly impressive campaigns with their respective sides however Jared Owen was selected as Coach of the Year for leading his side through the entire league campaign unbeaten to claim the League Championship for the very first time.
Shortlist
Jared Owen (Blackburn Hawks)
Martin White (Sheffield Spartans)
Matt Darlow (Sutton Sting)
Winner – Jared Owen
The newest category in this year’s awards is the Fans Favourite Player Award where all supporters could vote for their favourite NIHL North player. Around 400 votes were cast in this category with around 40 players receiving nominations from supporters from all of the league’s clubs.
Blackburn skipper Chris Arnone who captained Hawks to the title was shortlisted as were the hugely popular forward Michael Elder of the Billingham Stars and the versatile Struan Tonnar of Solway. This was one of the tigthest categories in the Awards however Chris Arnone picked up more than enough votes to win the PHN fans favourite player accolade.
Shortlist
Chris Arnone (Blackburn Hawks)
Michael Elder (Billingham Stars)
Struan Tonnar (Solway Sharks)
Winner – Chris Arnone
The Young Player of the Year award saw Callum Queenan and Ben Richards of the Whitley Warriors shortlisted along with Scottish youngster Duncan Speirs of Solway. There was an overwhelming winner in this category with Callum Queenan picking up countless votes for his energetic displays for Warriors throughout the campaign. Callum was presented with his award prior to Warriors play off game with the Widnes Wild on Sunday evening in Whitley Bay.
Shortlist
Callum Queenan (Whitley Warriors)
Ben Richards (Whitley Warriors)
Duncan Speirs (Solway Sharks)
Winner – Callum Queenan
As well as the main awards an all star team is also voted on as in previous years the top 2 netminders along with the 3 top defensive and offensive lines are revealed.
All Star Team of the Year
1st line
Netminder- Dmitri Zimozdra
Defence – Chris Arnone, Jonathan Kirk
Forwards – Luke Brittle, Adam Brittle, Richard Bentham
2nd line
Netminder – Brandon Stones
Defencemen – Andrew Munroe, Andy Finn
Forwards – Michael Elder, Struan Tonnar, Stuart Brittle
3rd line
Defencemen – Ritchie Thornton, James Goodman
Forwards – Thomas Stuart-Dant, Ollie Barron, Danny Mackriel
Thanks to everyone who was involved in any aspect of this year’s awards.
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